The medieval castle of Vyborg: history, address, festival

Feel free to close this page if you are interested not in the medieval castle, but in opening the locks. Vyborg is an amazing city and a much more interesting topic. There are many attractions, including an ancient fortress. We will talk about it today.

In the Leningrad region is located this cozy city, which contains legends and secrets. Vyborg Castle can be called the heart of the city. It has existed since its foundation. After reading this article, you certainly want to visit Vyborg.

The castle museum, like the city itself, is permeated with the spirit of the Middle Ages. We will talk about its history, as well as the current state of the museum and the festivals that are held here. Organizational moments are also important for those who decided to visit Vyborg (the castle). The museum's opening hours, its address and options, how to reach it, will also be considered. And the photos presented in this article will help you feel the spirit of the Middle Ages.

How to get to the city

The first question that arises from those who are planning a trip is: "Where is Vyborg Castle (Vyborg), how to get to it?" There are several options, each of which we will discuss separately.

The first option, how to get to the city and visit the castle of Vyborg, is to take an excursion. In this case, you do not need to think how to plan a route. One-day bus excursion from St. Petersburg costs about 1300-1500 rubles (for pensioners, schoolchildren and students - 1150-1350). Buses often depart from Dumskaya Street (metro station "Nevsky Prospekt"). Excursions usually include visits to the park of Monrepo and the castle, as well as a walk through the old town.

The second option is to go here by private car. From St. Petersburg, the road will take about 1.5 hours, but there is a possibility of getting into traffic jams.

Another option is the bus. From the metro station "Parnas" they go somewhere in half an hour (route number 850), and from "Devyatkino" - once every 1.5 hours. The journey takes several hours. The ticket will cost you just over 200 rubles.

You can use the railway transport. The interval for the departure of commuter trains is about two hours, and the ticket price is about 300 rubles. There are also fast trains, the road on which is shortened to an hour ("Swallow" and "Allegro"). All of them leave from the Finland Station.

In addition, you can swim by boat or yacht directly to the castle. Of course, own ship is not at all, but it can be rented. There are various offers on the cost, route and number of people in Vyborg, and in St. Petersburg.

Road to the castle

Let's talk now about how to get to the castle in Vyborg from the railway station (by the way, the bus station is near it, so this route will suit those who came by bus). First you need to go to Leningradsky Prospect (from the railway station to the right). Go straight on - and you will find yourself on the waterfront with a beautiful view. In summer, a fountain beams from the water. After walking a little more, you will see a large area on the left. It often sells various souvenirs (in fact, its name speaks for itself - the Market Square). Here is the famous round tower, which is one of the oldest buildings in Vyborg. However, we will not stay here long. The first thing to do is visit the castle.

Soon you will notice its high tower, along which you will navigate. Notice that we need not the first, but the second bridge (the Fortress), so the first one needs to pass. Most newlyweds pass through the Serf Bridge, so here you will see a lot of locks.

From here we finally reach the Castle Island, where a completely different world opens up for us. If you do not get distracted by photographing and admiring the city, a journey of 1.5 km will take about 20 minutes.

History of the castle

It is necessary to say at once that the castle of Vyborg is the only monument in our country of the European architecture of the Middle Ages that has survived to this day. The history of its construction begins in 1293. It is believed that it was then that Vyborg itself was founded.

Castle in Vyborg: history

The founding of the city took place during the Third Crusade, which the Swedes organized in order to obtain the then-owned Novgorod Karelian land. During the campaign, Marshal Torgils Knutsson, then ruler of Sweden, captured western Karelia. On the captured territory, he ordered to build a powerful fortress, which to this day is proud of Vyborg. The medieval castle arose on the site where the Karelian-Novgorod fortified point used to be. The Marshal defeated him, after which the Swedes began building the fortress.

Since then, Torgils Knutsson is considered the founder of the city of Vyborg, as well as Vyborg Castle. Not for nothing near the last, on the square of the Old Town Hall, he erected a monument. However, it must be said that some historians question the fact of the marshal's personal participation in the campaign, although it was he who organized the expedition to Karelia.

Swedes have chosen a place for the fortress very successfully: an island hill, a granite rock. The island position also provided a water obstacle, so you could not dig a moat. For the next 400 years, the castle of Vyborg became the mainstay of the Swedes on the Karelian Isthmus. He was inferior only to Stockholm and strategically and militarily to Stockholm and was on par with Kalmar Castle.

The etymology of the name "Vyborg"

It is precisely unknown about the etymology of the name of the city and the fortress. "Vyborg", according to the main versions, is "fortress at the Gulf" or "holy fortress". It is the latest version that is the most common, as in the letter of King Birger it is said about the construction of the temple in honor of the Most High and the Blessed Virgin.

The first stage of construction

At the first stage of construction, the castle of Vyborg consisted of a fortress wall that covered the entire perimeter of the island's elevation. In the center of the wall was the massive toothed quadrangular tower of St. Olaf (pictured above). It was named after Olaf II, one of the most revered saints in Scandinavia, a Norwegian king, a baptizer and a fighter against paganism. This tower was in no way connected with the walls of the fortress. She was a donjon standing alone in the center. By the way, this dungeon at that time was the highest in the whole of Scandinavia. In the basement of the tower of St. Olaf kept prisoners and kept supplies, and on the second tier there were rooms of the governor with his entourage. It was here that the Swedish king stayed during his visits to the city.

Archaeological excavations showed that the thickness of the walls of the tower of St. Olaf was 4 meters, and the Vyborg Fortress - 1.5-2 meters. The wooden hinged gallery passed along the perimeter of the fortress wall (the so-called combat train, or sentinel way). On the height of the island, protected by these walls, the first buildings of Vyborg were formed. The population of the city soon grew, and the Castle Island was already scarce. Vyborg stepped over to the mainland, to the cape, which is on the eastern shore of the strait.

Attempts to return the city

The Novgorodians tried to seize the castle and recover the lost lands in 1294 and 1322, but these attempts were unsuccessful, despite the fact that in 1322 the assault was carried out by a progressive method (stone-cutting machines were used). The border between Sweden and Novgorod land in the Orekhovo Peace, concluded in 1323, passed along the Sestra River. The Swedish kingdom received the western part of the Karelian Isthmus.

The castle at Karl Knutsson and his successors

On the territory of the castle in the 15th century (when Carl Knutsson was a governor), residential buildings with several floors of height appeared. They ended with a battle vaulted turn on the sides facing the city and the bridge. About the same time, the Shoemaker's Tower was erected. During the reign of Karl Knutsson, the castle acquired a special splendor and gloss. New quarters were built, ceremonial rooms for balls and festivities, knight halls were renovated, the 3rd floor of the main building was rebuilt, which was previously intended only for defense.

On this construction is not over. After Karl Knutsson left the castle, the work continued to be carried out by his successors - Erik Tott and Sten Sture. At this time, the castle remained the residence of the governor, as well as the center of the administrative and political life of Vyborg. In the southeast corner was built the Paradise Tower - the first round tower in the castle (pictured above). Tiled stoves appeared in its premises. The walls of the tower of St. Olaf were trimmed from the inside with wooden panels, and the upper courtyard of the castle was paved with stone.

Contribution of Eric Tott

The head of the fortress in the middle of the 15th century was Erik Tott, and then the 4th floor of the main building was turned into a residential one. Appeared and the fifth floor, intended for defense. Tott during the reconstruction of the castle used the traditions of defensive architecture adopted in Northern Europe. Before the frequent fires that ruined the magnificence of the castle, its layout and appearance were in the style of the early Renaissance. Tott surrounded Vyborg with a stone wall with towers (on a peninsula in front of the fortress). Thus, the Vyborg Castle gradually occupied the rear position of the fortress. The Town Hall Tower, as well as the later Round One, are the only parts of it preserved to the present day.

"Vyborg Thunder"

Vyborg in September 1495 was shocked by an event that went down in history as a "Vyborg thunder". The Russo-Swedish war began just this year, and Ivan III decided to send his troops to storm the Vyborg Castle. For the first time, large-caliber cannons were used to destroy the walls. The two towers collapsed, unable to withstand the attack, and in one they made a break. The Swedes, under the leadership of the commander Knut Posse, stood the siege, despite the use of modern Russian technology and their numerical superiority. According to one version, the military commander ordered his people to set fire to the powder mixture (maybe barrels with tar), and then undermine some of the fortress towers. The smoke and the deafening roar confused the besiegers, and they retreated.

Siege from the city was withdrawn, military operations were soon suspended. And about the "Vyborg blast" began to go legends. Knut Posse even attributed magical abilities. For example, it was alleged that during the siege he welded a "hellish potion" in a huge cauldron. There was also a version that when the Swedish troops wanted to lay down their arms, the Andreevsky cross suddenly appeared in the sky. The Russians were frightened at the sight of him and turned to flight. Another fantastic version says that there was a cave "Smellen" in the city, which made a terrible roar as the enemy approached.

Continuation of construction

The main tower in 1564 became seven-storey (formerly there was only the lower square part). The upper part now has an octagonal form with cannon loopholes cut in the walls. Thanks to the loopholes it was possible to conduct round-the-clock firing. Note that in the masonry of the dungeon at this time was first used brick.

According to the Stolbov Peace, concluded in 1617, the border of the Swedes' possessions has advanced significantly into the lands of Novgorod. The border and military importance of the city of Vyborg was reduced, so the castle was used as a prison. The territory of the city until the 18th century belonged to the Swedes. At this time, the castle was strengthened and completed.

Vyborg after the capture of the city by Peter I

Peter I after a long siege and bombing took Vyborg June 3, 1710 But the Swedes were not in a hurry to leave the city. Swedish language prevailed in Vyborg until the 19th century.

The city and Vyborg Castle after the capture of Russian troops were destroyed. Their condition was deplorable. Only after the Peace of Nystadt, signed in 1721 , finally consolidated the borders, peaceful life began to be established in Vyborg. Intensive restoration work began to be carried out in the castle. But in the second half of the 18th century he found himself between the fortifications of Annens and the Horned Fortress, reliable defensive structures, and therefore lost its former military significance. The lock was used to accommodate the Russian garrison.

Further history of the city was also difficult. He went to the Finns in 1918, but during the Russo-Finnish war (1939-1940) he was taken by Soviet troops. But a few years later, at the beginning of the Second World War, Vyborg again moved to Finland.

Then, since 1944, it belonged first to the USSR, and then to Russia. At present, on the island with a fortress is the State Museum "Vyborg Castle". It was founded on July 13, 1960. At the end of the 20th century, the museum workers had to face difficulties. The fact is that the tower, located on the edge of the rock, began to settle. One reason for this is seismic impacts, and the other is heavy vehicles. Currently, the problem has been fixed.

We will now tell you what is interesting to see in the castle.

The Tower of St. Olav

Tourists receive a lot of emotions from climbing this tower. In order to climb up, you need to overcome 239 steps of steep enough stairs. This requires some physical preparation, but the reward will not keep you waiting, so go ahead! Rising, you can admire the views that open from the windows. At the top you will find a stunning view of the bay and the city.

You can bypass the tower from all sides. You will see the city with its interesting architecture, unusual for Russia. Multicolored roofs of various shapes create the color of Vyborg. You can see from here and the Transfiguration Cathedral, and the clock tower, and other attractions.

Museum "Vyborg Castle"

Visiting the exposition of this museum, you will go deep into the peaceful and military history of the region, in the life of the inhabitants, and also learn the details about the construction of the castle. Here you will find a collection of customs confiscate, since the city for a long time was a border point. The nature of the Karelian Isthmus, where Vyborg is located, is dedicated to a separate exposition. The most valuable collections of the museum are paintings and sculptures by VV Kozlov and LA Dietrich, ceramics and a numismatic collection.

Temporary exhibitions and festivals

Not only permanent exhibitions are displayed here, but temporary exhibitions are also held. For example, once in the museum a torture room was set up. Of course, the entourage is spooky, but this exhibition enjoyed great success among tourists.

Often excursions and interactive programs are organized on the territory of the castle. For example, annual military historical festivals, including knight tournaments, are very popular. In the castle on this day, especially the spirit of the Middle Ages is felt, as in the whole city. In addition to knightly battles, at festivals you can listen to medieval music, see scenes from the life of people of that time, as well as participate in master classes and learn some craft. Also given the opportunity to shoot from the bow and visit the medieval feast.

A lot of tourists come to festivals in Vyborg. "Knight's Castle", for example, is held annually. By the way, it was held recently, on July 30-31, and became the 21st. Visitors were waiting for the massive battles of foot soldiers, armored in foot-armor, on foot and horse knight tournaments. Only for this you can visit Vyborg. Tournament "Knight's Castle" gathered a lot of guests. They were entertained by medieval minstrels, and after the battles knights and their ladies taught everyone who wished medieval dances.

At night, tourists who decided to visit the festival "Knight's Castle" (Vyborg), waited for the Fire Representation with the Dragon and the Court of Inquisition with execution. In the breaks there were children's battles, amusements and games, as well as contests for participants and spectators. Crafty yards and a fair could also be visited by visiting the Knight's Castle festival. Vyborg, as the visitors note, at the end of July seemed to have moved into the past. The atmosphere was supported by the heroes of the Middle Ages (Russian knights and European knights), who placed their camp camps on the territory of the festival.

During the festivals, Vyborg is very alive. "Knight's Castle" is one of the most interesting events in the city.

The museum's working hours, address

Interested in Vyborg and its ancient castle? You can visit it at any time of the year. However, it is only at certain times that visitors can visit the castle of Vyborg. The operating mode of it is from 11:00 to 19:00 on all days of the week, except Friday. On Friday it closes earlier - at 18 o'clock.

So, now you know when you can visit the castle of Vyborg. Its working mode allows you to plan a trip on any day of the week. Many of you will probably want to know his address. Just in case, we will provide him, although, most likely, you will easily find a castle in Vyborg. Its address is simple: Castle Island, 1.

Is it worth to visit this place? Of course, and not only the museum is interesting, but the city of Vyborg itself. The castle, reviews about which the most positive, especially like the lovers of the Middle Ages.