Economically advantageous location of the city of Narva at the border and crossroads of trade routes enabled the city to make a good fortune. Yet this border location makes the city the first object of conquest, the first target in wars and conflicts. So for centuries the rulers did not spare funds for the establishment of a system to strengthen Narva.
It can be called a miracle what Narva castle survived a huge amount of repeated wars and reconstruction, has survived to our times, and today we can enjoy its magnificent views.
Regarding the exact date of the castle grounds, historians are divided. However, they are in agreement about the sequence of events. Firstly, about 13 in. Danes conquered Northern Estonia, built a wooden fortress at the intersection p. Narva and the old road. Under the protection of the fortress developed the town of Narva.
In the early 14th century after a series of conflicts with the Russian Danes began to build a stone fortress, which was the predecessor of the present castle Herman. The stone fortress was a defensive castle with towers and walls of a height of 40 m. A little later, was completed outer courtyard, where local residents were allowed to hide in case of war.
In 1347 Mr. Northern Estonia (including Narva) was sold to the Livonian Order, who converted the castle into the house of the convention. Previously, there was a wall around the city, which before our time, unfortunately, has not survived. It was demolished by decree in 1777. The length of the city wall was about 1 km. Wall surrounded by a moat and strengthened at least 7 towers.
In 1558, Russian retook the city from the Livonian Order, but in 1581 was again Narva the Swedes. In historical records there is a detailed description of how within 2 days Swedes gun punched holes in the wall. The Swedes are well aware that the defenses of the castle have become obsolete in the new battle will not stand against firearms. So they carried out numerous works to modernize and strengthen fortifications. On the territory of the old town of Narva there is a hill, which is the ruins of the bastion of "Royal Wave", which is likely to have earthen towers.
In 1683 the Swedish king has approved a project to create an entirely new system of fortifications, designed by the famous military engineer Erik Dahlberg. According to the draft, the defenses of the city wall remained inside the area to strengthen, due to which almost completely lost its functionality. Only the side overlooking the river has remained unchanged, while the northern and western parts have been expanded. Construction on the project began in 1684 and lasted until 1704, when the city was re-conquered by the Russian. Thanks to the huge expenses spent on this project, Narva became a city with the most powerful defense systems in Eastern Europe.
There are currently preserved coastal bastions of Victoria, Pax (or Wrangel) and gonorrhea. In addition to these well-preserved bastion Fortuna, which is on the southwest corner of the castle, a bastion of Gloria, located at the end of the street Vestervalli, as well as the southern wall of the bastion of Triumph, which is located next to the square. Peter. On the outer walls of the bastions, Gloria and Victoria, you can see the entrances to the casemates, which today are under threat of collapse.
After Russia's victory in the Northern War, Estonia, including Narva, passed to Russia. The city lost its strategic importance. In 1863, Narva ceased to be a fortress city and the territory of the bastion Victoria near the river began device Park, which, due to the proximity to the Dark Gate, was named sadom.Narvsky Dark Castle and the city was badly damaged during the Second World War. The revival of the old castle began in 1950. The building is under construction, and in our days. Today the surviving objects are widely used by locals and tourists alike. The castle is Narva Museum, and on the bastions created a beautiful park, perfect for walking and recreation. In addition to the permanent exhibition in Narva Castle and temporary exhibitions are held. Also in the fortress held a variety of events, celebrations and festivals.
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