Priozersk, fortress Korela: description and photo

Priozersk is one of the oldest Russian cities, the mention of which in chronicles is dated 1143 year. The city was a significant center in the country, from culture and commerce to the military-strategic heritage. The name of the city takes roots from the Korela tribe, which lived on the Isthmus with the same name, in a picturesque place where the Ladoga Lake and the Vuoksa River were connected . On one of the banks of this river was a legendary fortress, which after decades turned out to be geographically located on the cape in connection with the drying of the river bed. The fortress Korela (Priozersk) today is a unique attraction.

Historical reference

According to the chronicles, the Swedes are shown in a negative light. This people notified that Priozersk was captured by Christians and was safe and sound. In fact, the Swedes conducted their dirty business in the city. A huge number of pagans were destroyed, the rest were taken to Vyborg. According to historical facts, a town with a beautiful fortification existed before the Swedes. Subsequent events are dated 1295 year. At that time the legendary city of Korela was captured by natives of Novgorod.

War and fortress

For two hundred years in a row, this area was a border area, which the Novgorodians greatly strengthened from the Swedish raids. Further history of the town is quite interesting, since in 1610 it was captured by the Landskronons, after which it was renamed Kexholm. Already in one century the city was won by the domestic troops.

Further historical events are dated 1295 year. During this period, Swedish troops from Vyborg headed towards Korela, which was the most important military center of the whole isthmus. Urban residents quite unshakably and bravely defended their native lands, in connection with this huge number of them died in a ruthless battle. The legendary fortress, unfortunately, could not resist, and the Korel soldiers were captured. Domestic defenders very quickly co-operated and went to rescue Korela. The battle lasted almost a week and was crowned with success. After the construction of the castle in this stunning town was erected a reliable shaft. This wall served as an excellent defense for the city.

The renewed version of the fortress repeatedly retained its power at the time of the Swedish raids. Soon the town was awarded the erection on its expanses of a stone tower, which became a fine fortification of already standing structures. A lot of difficulties survived Korela fortress (Priozersk). The photo can display the appearance of the fortress, but its spirit can be felt only after having visited it.

Strategic Object

Since ancient times, Korela has been the most important strategic center of the Isthmus of the same name. For this beautiful place was constantly fighting, changing its owners. In order to strengthen the fortification, the construction of a specialized tower began. Its capabilities included expanded defense from all sides. Until now, these towers have been preserved in a sufficiently distorted and mutilated form. A more accurate location is the west of Priozersk, at the junction of the bridge with the Spassky Island.

At the dawn of history, the tower had only one entrance. But after the Swedish rebuilding the main entrance changed its location. After such a historic event as the Nystad Truce, not only the features of the border territories changed. Korela became a geographical constituent of Vyborg province.

Since the distant 1762, the so-called Kexholm fortress has become a prison for political prisoners. Among the most famous prisoners, the walls of the prison saw the following personalities: wives and children of Pugachev, Messenius and Kiichelbecker. In modern times on the legendary territory of Korela you can admire one of the ancient towers, which was restored. It has the name of the tower of the Old Fortress. In the next building there is a regional museum of local lore, where you can see the historical treasures of the town.

Architecture

You can plunge into the distant past by visiting Priozersk. Korel's fortress, even with its appearance, will remind you of the events of the past. The Kexholm fortress was depicted on the old prints and drawings as one tower. According to chronicle mentions, it was rather small, its height was only 8 meters. The tower had a round outline, the two-tiered structure made it incredibly beautiful. The structure of the tower included firearms. The thickness of the walls was large enough and equaled four meters. This indicates that at the time of construction of the fortifications the fortifications of the structure were quite developed. The same principle of construction was adhered to by the Swedes during the erection of such fortresses.

The Museum

Today there is a museum in the places of former glory. Korela fortress (Priozersk) is one continuous exhibit. The fortress includes 2 bastions, the Pugachevskaya Tower, the Old and New Arsenals. Previously, this warehouse was carefully stored weapons for protection. Among the ammunitions and ammunition left to the present time, about 17,000 units are kept in the museum itself. The archaeological finds of many historical expeditions are also a cultural asset.

Place description

A cheerful spirit constantly envelops the city of Priozersk. Fortress Korela - the place of all kinds of festivals, entertainment and folk festivals. Among the most popular entertainment in this district are the legendary knight fights on horseback. Among the ammunition, crossbows and bows, reminiscent of the most ancient knight tournaments, are a success . Picturesque nature can be enjoyed from the fortress itself. A beautiful spectacle is a fountain on the water, which looks quite modern and extravagant. It should be noted that it is a fashionable construction that makes the overall picture more modern. In this regard, the fountain, most likely, will be removed from this area, so as not to spoil the ancient ensemble. At the beginning of the fortress there are two monuments erected in honor of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Excursion for the whole family

Children can also visit Priozersk. The fortress Korela and for small visitors is a hospitable place. Children can climb on an interesting structure and take a picture. Near the fortress there is a boarding house for servicemen. There is a beautiful square in it, to which no one is allowed to enter. His beauty can be admired only from afar. It should be noted that in the courtyard of the boarding house also preserved the oldest fortifications, which remotely resemble the original historical monuments. In the district of the legendary fortress and nearby territory beautiful lanterns are installed, so that tourists can fully enjoy the beauty of this place and in the evening.

On the territory of this fortification works a cozy souvenir shop. The choice of thematic products here is quite extensive. It can be purchased as ordinary spoons in the form of souvenirs, as well as elite jewelry made by hand by skilled craftsmen. Extremely popular are embroidered and painted paintings, all kinds of amulets and crafts. All products are made with love.

Tourists can not only see the fortress, but also stroll through the picturesque town. For lovers of water walks during the summer period there are motor boat tours. A truly unique place, which is famous for the city of Priozersk, is Korela fortress.

How to get to Korela bastion from St. Petersburg

1. By bus on route No. 859, which stops near Finland Railway Station.

2. By rail from the Finland railway station.

3. By car on the serpentine route St. Petersburg - Priozersk. Korela fortress will be visible after an hour and a half drive.