Narva Castle makes historians argue, because they cannot agree on the exact date of its occurrence. However, there are facts that allow experts to determine the chronology of the development of the city and this stone structure. One thing is clear - the approximate time of the birth of Hermanni linnus (est.) Falls at the end of the Middle Ages. So, Narva Castle: history of occurrence, mode of operation, address and reviews of tourists.
Castle location
This defensive structure is located in the eponymous Estonian city on the banks of the Narva River! And no confusion, it's pretty easy to remember. But you also need to know that it is also called the castle of Herman. To make it easier to understand the location, just look at the map: it shows that the opposite coast belongs to Russia, the Ivangorod fortress is located there, also built to strengthen the borders by decree of Ivan III in 1492.
Narva Castle: a history of occurrence
Initially, a wooden fortress was erected at this place, crossing the old road and river. Its construction dates back to the 13th century, when the Danes conquered Northern Estonia. Later, under the cover of this castle, the city of the same name develops. When conflicts with the Russians began to occur on the opposite bank of the river, the Danes seriously thought about the need to create a stronger defense. For this purpose, already in the XIV century, the construction of a stone fortress began, which was a building with walls and towers about 40 m high. The modern Narva Castle is a follower of this particular building.
From the beginning to the mid-1300s, the external courtyard was completed: at first it was small, then it became larger. In this place, local residents had to hide in the event of a war. But already in 1347 the Danish king sells Northern Estonia along with Narva to the Livonian Order. From now on, the castle serves as the home of the convention. By the way, part of the first level of construction, the courtyard and the halls are preserved in their original form to this day.
During the tenure of the fortress, the Livonian Order built a tower of Herman. We can say that this action was a response to the Russians, who built a fortress on their (opposite) bank - Ivangorod. Also, a wall that had not survived to our days “hid” Narva in its arms - it was demolished in 1777. There are records indicating that four gates with iron plates and a drawbridge were mounted in it. The wall was about 1 km long and was surrounded by a moat, and 7 towers were built as additional protection. Later, the order strengthened the gate and built cannon towers (one of them has survived). But this did not help - in 1558 the Russians nevertheless conquered the city.
After 30 years, Narva was captured by the Swedes. The Russians lost after the first battle, and since 1700 the fortress belongs to Sweden. And again, construction is in full swing here: the Wrangel bastion appears, the Dark Gate is being completely reconstructed, and positions for guns on fortifications are being developed.
The Swedes did not have much to rejoice at the acquisition, since after 4 years Peter I returned this territory and Narva Castle (photo below) - the fortress again belongs to the Russian Empire. The shelling of the facades of the bastions lasted 10 days, after which two of them fell apart. So the Russians took the city a second time, together with all of Estonia.
But after such events, Narva lost its strategic importance, although for about 150 years the fortress was considered an external fortification of St. Petersburg. The bastions were restored, and the construction of the ravelins begun by the Swedes was completed. In 1863, Narva lost the status of a fortified city; on the territory of one of the bastions called Victoria, a park was created, named after the main gate of the Dark Garden. The gates were finally destroyed in 1875.
Almost completely, Narva Castle was destroyed in 1944. The Second World War literally became a fatal event for him, since Soviet aviation destroyed most of the structures in chips. From 1950 until today, the reconstruction of the fortress has been slowly but surely underway. But the main thing is that the castle retained its medieval appearance, despite the trials that fate had in store for it.
Castle in the 21st century
Today, in this austere and slightly gloomy stone building, the Narva Museum and artisan workshops are located. Estonian guests and locals are told about the history of the city and about what events the fortress went through from the 1500s. The tower called Long Hermann is equipped with exhibition halls. Sometimes concerts are held here. This fortress in the 21st century is a place where festivals, celebrations and other fun events are constantly held.
Where is the fortress located and how to get to it?
Narva Castle is located on the Petersburg Highway in the city of Narva. Nearby is the Russian-Estonian border. Thanks to this location, it is easy to find Narva Castle. Address (exact): Estonia, Narva, Petrovskaya Square, 2. Phone: +3723599230.
Lock mode and ticket price
A visit to the fortress will turn into an interesting journey into the past, despite the season. Everyone, choosing a convenient time for themselves, can visit the Narva Castle. Opening hours: from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can get to the fortress territory for free, and if you want to go inside to inspect the interior of the halls, which was recently restored, you will have to pay an average of 4 euros.
Interesting Facts
- In the XVI century, when Narva belonged to the Russian Empire, it was the only Russian commercial port in the Baltic.
- When the Ivangorod fortress began to be built on the opposite bank , the inhabitants of Narva experienced "great inconvenience": the Russians constrained them in fishing and trade, and also shot at inopportune times. By the way, the Estonian side in the latter did not lag behind.
- The battle for Narva, which occurred in 1700, was significant for Russia. This is the first battle of the Russian regular army in history.
Narva Castle: tourist reviews
No wonder this fortress is one of the most important sights of Estonia, because all the battles of different peoples for this small state one way or another relate to it.
First of all, I want to note that now it is very beautiful there. In some unknown way, this territory perfectly combines the rigor of the Middle Ages with some elegance.
Secondly, a visit to the fortress is the best opportunity to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the Middle Ages, to find out how people lived, and to familiarize them with the history of children. By contacting the administration, you can find out when festivals, fairs and other interesting events take place on the territory to take part in them.
Tourists who happened to visit this place claim that Narva Castle is the embodiment of an entire era. Both outside and inside, the fortress is interesting and fascinating. Particularly impressive is the view of the Ivangorod fortress, which connects the bridge to Narva. Therefore, a visit to the castle will be an educational and exciting activity for adults and children!