Orivirran Saarto

Savonlinna, Finland

Orivirran saarto is a ruin of the 16th century fortress. It was built probably in 1540's, because in 1546 Russians complained about Swedish cutting forest and gathering stones in Orivirta. There were probably a main castle, outer fortication, watchtower and dock. During 16th century it was garrisoned by 400-600 men and 5-10 cannons.

In 1592 Russian cossacks destroyed the fortress. In a fight over 200 men were died and Swedish lost a ship and several cannons. After defeat Orivirran saarto was changed to guard place and fortified again during the Russo-Swedish War in 1656–1658.

Nowadays there remains some ruins of the fort restored by the Finnish National Board of Antiquities. There's also a memorial erected in 1965.

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Details

Founded: 1540
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Finland
Historical period: Reformation (Finland)

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