№ 2241 . 525th anniversary of Ivangorod Fortress

 

Ivangorod Fortress was erected on the right bank of the Narva River in summer 1492 to protect Novgorod lands from the western neighbors. Named in honor of Ivan III, Ivangorod became a Russian outpost at the border with Livonia, in a place where Hermann Castle, a Danish fortress later expanded and strengthened by the Livonian Order, had been present on the left bank of the river since the 13^th century. The fortress became not only a solid defense at the north-western borders of the Russian state but also an important strategic base in a struggle for an access to the Baltic Sea.

Throughout its history, Ivangorod withstood numerous attacks by foreign invaders; it was also in the hands of Swedes for a long time. The fortress was heavily damaged during the Great Patriotic War. After Ivangorod was captured, two concentration camps for prisoners of war were established there. The Nazi blew up the six main towers, several parts of the defensive wall and inner buildings before retreating.

The fortress is now a museum and cultural center of Ivangorod, where excursions are arranged, and regional and local events take place. Thanks to restoration works, one can again feast their eyes on the fortress’s awe-inspiring beauty, just like several centuries ago.