Ruotsinsalmi Sea Fortress, Kotka, Finland

Ruotsinsalmi fortress was built by Russians in 1790-1796. It was part of the South-Eastern Finland fortification system which was planned to defence St. Petersburg. The sea fortress was located to islands in front of the city of Kotka and Kyminlinna fortress. It contained three main strongholds (Fort Katarina, Fort Elisabeth and Fort Slava) and several redoubts and artillery batteries.

Ruotsinsalmi fortress lost its original defensive value only couple of years later, when rest areas of Finland were joined to Russia after the Finnish War (1808-1809). It was disbanded in the 1830's and during the Crimean war (1855) Anglo-French fleet destroyed the empty fortress permanently.

Today individual remnants of fortresses can still be found for instance beside Catherine’s path and on the island of Tiutinen. Also Fort Elisabeth's embankments have been renovated in recent years. The island is easily accessible by regular boat services in the summer.

Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Елена Сова (4 years ago)

Konstantin Shihov (6 years ago)

Aisa Cayat (6 years ago)
Very nice park. Relaxing.. Q

Степан Лукашенко (6 years ago)
The fort has been restored, but nevertheless the place is very beautiful, near the park, it’s definitely worth a walk!

Jarkko Juhani Törmänen (7 years ago)

Ruotsinsalmi Sea Fortress

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Beckov Castle