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{{Infobox historic site
]
| name = Vyborg Castle
'''Vyborg Castle''' (Finnish: '''Viipurin linna''', Swedish: ''Viborgs slott'', Russian: Выборгский замок) is a ] built ] ] around which the town of ] (in Finnish '''Viipuri''') evolved.
| native_name = Выборгский замок
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| caption = View of Vyborg Castle
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'''Vyborg Castle''' ({{langx|ru|Выборгский замок}}; {{langx|fi|Viipurin linna}}; {{langx|sv|Viborgs slott}}) is a fortress in ], ]. It was built by the ] during the ] around which the town of Vyborg evolved. The castle became the stronghold of the ] in the ]. Throughout the centuries, it was the first defense of the kingdom against the ]. Its military and strategic status in the late Middle Ages was second only to the fortified capital ]. Currently it serves as the site of Vyborg Regional Museum.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://runeberg.org/nfcl/0119.html|title= Viborg|website=Nordisk familjebok|access-date=August 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://s052d7339.fastvps-server.com/history/museum/ |title= History of the museum|website= Vyborg Regional Museum|access-date=August 1, 2020}}</ref>
==General==
It was one of the three major castles of ]. It was built as the easternmost outpost of the medieval ]: its location is the ], a little islet in the innermost corner of that gulf of the ], in a tight strait which connects ] to ]. It was originally constructed in 1290s.


==Overview==
The town was orginally located inside the outer fortress circle of the castle system, at the fortress island, but it had to be moved to its today location out of the island because of tightness of space.
]
Vyborg Castle was one of the three major castles of ], the three being the castles of ] ({{lang|sv|Åbo}} in Swedish) and ] ({{lang|sv|Tavastehus}}), and Vyborg ({{lang|sv|Viborg}}).


It was built as the easternmost outpost of the medieval ]: it is located on the ], on a little islet in the innermost corner of the ], in a tight strait which connects ] to ]. It was originally constructed in the 1290s on the site of ] fortress after the ] to Finland.<ref name=":0" /> The town was originally located inside the outer fortifications of the castle, at the fortress island, but it had to be moved to its present location off of the island because of lack of space.
==Medieval history==
]
]


==History==
The construction of the fortress started in 1293 by orders of ], the ] who made in 1290's a so-called ] to ], the so-called ], actually against Russians, i.e the ]. He chose the location of the new fortress: To keep the ], the trading place there used by locals already for long time. From the bay, a river way goes inland, ultimately connecting the place to several districts, lakes, and indirectly also to rivers going to Ladoga.
=== Early history ===
Excavations in 1980s indicated that a ] fortress pre-dated the castle built by the Swedes in 1293. The oldest layers of occupation have been discovered in the so-called Smith's Courtyard. A man-made breastwork of sand with timber posts was found from this area. Also charred remains of buildings, which some were linked to the breastwork, were also found. Tjulenev suggests that the Karelian fort had a wooden tower. Tjulanev's several finds from the area include a bent sword which was dated to the period between 1130 and 1200.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Ancient Hillforts of Finland|last=Taavitsainen|first=Jussi-Pekka|publisher=Suomen muinaismuistoyhdistyksen aikakausikirja 94|year=1990|pages=240}}</ref>


===Medieval history===
The three high-medieval Finnish "castle fiefs" were ruled from the castles of ], ] and Vyborg, respectively until the 1360s.


Construction of the next phase of the fortress started in 1293 by orders of ], ], who in the 1290s made a supposed ] against ], the ].<ref></ref> The crusade was part of the ongoing ], against the Russians of the ]. Knutsson chose the location of the new fortress to control the ], which was bordered by trading sites long used by the local population. From the bay, a navigable river passage goes inland, ultimately connecting the place with several districts, lakes, and, indirectly by ], with rivers flowing into ].
In 1366, ] was elected king, and according to the German model he began to divide up the castle fiefs, which were immense in Finland, into smaller provinces. In some cases, these new, smaller provinces were given separate ]s' residences which have since disappeared; this was the case with the ] mound in ] and ] in ], near the today city of ] which was founded later. Only earthworks remain at these sites, but in two places, stone strongholds were built which still exist, although in ruins. One is ] in western Uusimaa (west of ]), the other ] in the ] islands


In 1364, ] was proclaimed ], and in accordance with the German model he began to divide the castle fiefs, which were immense in Finland, into smaller provinces. In some instances, these new, smaller provinces were given separate ]s' residences which have since disappeared; this was the case with the ] castle mound in ] ({{lang|sv|Borgå}}) and the castle of ] in ], near the modern-day city of ] which was founded later. Only earthworks remain at these sites, but in two places, still-extant though now ruined stone strongholds were built: ], in western ] (west of ]), and ], in ].
The castle became the stronghold for the Swedish realm in Karelian regions. Throughout centuries, it was the first defence of the kingdom against Russians. Its status in late Middle Ages actually was next in importance to the ].


The castle and the large surrounding fief became a virtually ] ]. Its governors were usually fiefed with the incomes of the county. The ] became known as a ]. Its governors were generally from the most powerful families of the kingdom. They enjoyed large administrative powers and a good distance from the capital. Those realities made them practically independent rulers. Usually, the castle of ] (built in 1470s) was subjugated to Viipuri. The castle and the large surrounding fief became a virtually ] ]. Its governors were usually enfeoffed with the incomes of the county. The ] became known as a ]. Its governors were generally from the most powerful families of the kingdom. They enjoyed large administrative powers at a significant distance from the capital. These realities made them practically independent rulers. The castle of ], ] (built in the 1470s), was usually subjugated to Viborg.


Prominent figures who held Viipuri as their fief, were ], ] (1417-42), ] (1442-48, the future king), ] (1457-81), ] (1495-97), ] (1497-99, between his regencies), ] and count ]. Particularly in 1440's and in late 15th century, the fortresses were further enlarged. Prominent men who held Viborg as their fief included ], ] (1417–42), ] (1442–48, the future king), ] (1457–81), ] (1495–97), ] (1497–99, between his regencies), ], and Count ]. Particularly in the 1440s and the late 15th century, the fortresses were further enlarged.


The first mention of firearms in Finland relates to Viborg castle, in 1429. During the Middle Ages the castle was repeatedly besieged by the Russians, most famously in 1495, during the ]. Governor Knut Posse was in office 1495-1497. The situation of the defenders looked hopeless, but they were saved by the ] on ]], a mysterious explosion which scared off the Russians because they reportedly saw a St. Andrew's cross in the sky. The first mention of firearms in Finland relates to Viborg castle in 1429. During the Middle Ages the Russians repeatedly besieged the castle, most famously in 1495 during the ] while ] was governor of the castle. The situation of the defenders looked hopeless, but they were saved by the ] on 30 November 1495 (]), a mysterious explosion which scared the Russians away after they believed they had seen a Saint Andrew's cross in the sky.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://sok.riksarkivet.se/sbl/Presentation.aspx?id=7380 |title=Knut Posse |website=Svenskt biografiskt lexikon
|access-date=August 1, 2020}}</ref>


<gallery widths="220" heights="150">
==Modern history==
File:VyborgCastle1710.jpg|Simulation of Viborg castle ablaze in 1710, after the Russian attack in the Great Northern War
]
Image:Viborgs slott 1840.jpg|''Vyborg Castle'' <br>Torsten Wilhelm Forstén: 1840
In 16th century, much was renovated and additions made. In 17th century, the castle was allowed to get a bit ruined, as Russian danger was decreased and the border placed much easter.
File:Severin Falkman - Karl Knutson Bonde Leaving Vyborg Castle for the Royal Election in Stockholm 1448.jpg|] leaving Vyborg Castle to the election of the new king in 1448, {{ill|Severin Falkman|fi}}, 1886
</gallery>


===Modern history===
Viipuri was taken by the Russians in 1710, but passed back to Finnish hands in 1812 when all ] was joined to the ]. The castle owes its present appearance to extensive restorations undertaken in the 1890s.
]
In the 16th century, much was renovated and additions were made. In the 17th century, the castle was allowed to decay, as Russian danger was lessened and the border was further eastwards.


Viborg was taken by the Russians in 1710, but passed back to Finnish hands in 1812 when all of ] was attached to the autonomous ]. The castle owes its present appearance to extensive restorations undertaken in the 1890s. The military of the ] used the castle until 1918 <!-- 1917 or 1918? --> for housing administration.
Since the end of ] in 1944 it has again been on the Russian side of the border. Russian military administration used the castle until 1918. Currently, it contains a museum.

{{lang|fi|Viipuri}} belonged to the newly independent Republic of Finland between 1917–40 and again 1941–44. As a result of ] in ] it was annexed by the ] in 1944.


==Architecture== ==Architecture==
Main castle, located in eastern part of the islet on itts highest hill, has an irregular four-cornered layout, with the immense tower of St.Olav as its biggest part. 3 or 4 floors, varying in places. Outer fortresses surround the main castle. They follow the islet's coastlines. The main castle, located in the eastern part of the islet on its highest hill, has an irregular four-cornered layout, with the immense ] (Pyhän Olavin torni in Finnish) as its biggest section. It is 3–4 storeys tall, varying in places. Outer defensive works surround the main castle, following the islet's coastlines.

<gallery widths="220" heights="160">
Image:Vyborgzamok.jpg|View of the castle
Image:Vyborg wall.jpg|Walls of the castle
Image:Vyborg 06-2012 Castle 03.jpg|St. Olav Tower
</gallery>

== See also ==
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
* ''Medievals castles of Finland'', by Dr Carl Jacob Gardberg, state archaeologist


==Other sources==
]
*] (1994) ''Finlands medeltida borgar'' (Esbo : Schildt) {{ISBN|978-9515006165}}
]
]
]


==External links==
]
{{Commons category|Vyborg Castle}}
]
*
]
*
*

{{Finnish castles}}
{{Vyborg Castle}}
{{Authority control}}

]
]
]
]
]
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]

Latest revision as of 16:00, 24 October 2024

Medieval castle in Leningrad Oblast, Russia
Vyborg Castle
Native names
View of Vyborg Castle
TypeMedieval castle
LocationVyborg, Leningrad Oblast, Russia
Coordinates60°42′57″N 28°43′45″E / 60.71583°N 28.72917°E / 60.71583; 28.72917
Built1293
Built forTorkel Knutsson
Current useMuseum
Vyborg Castle is located in Leningrad OblastVyborg CastleLocation of Vyborg Castle in Leningrad Oblast

Vyborg Castle (Russian: Выборгский замок; Finnish: Viipurin linna; Swedish: Viborgs slott) is a fortress in Vyborg, Russia. It was built by the Swedes during the Middle Ages around which the town of Vyborg evolved. The castle became the stronghold of the Swedish realm in the Karelian region. Throughout the centuries, it was the first defense of the kingdom against the Russians. Its military and strategic status in the late Middle Ages was second only to the fortified capital Stockholm. Currently it serves as the site of Vyborg Regional Museum.

Overview

View of the castle

Vyborg Castle was one of the three major castles of Finland, the three being the castles of Turku (Åbo in Swedish) and Hämeenlinna (Tavastehus), and Vyborg (Viborg).

It was built as the easternmost outpost of the medieval Kingdom of Sweden: it is located on the Karelian Isthmus, on a little islet in the innermost corner of the Gulf of Finland, in a tight strait which connects Zashchitnaya Bay to Vyborg Bay. It was originally constructed in the 1290s on the site of Karelian fortress after the Third Swedish Crusade to Finland. The town was originally located inside the outer fortifications of the castle, at the fortress island, but it had to be moved to its present location off of the island because of lack of space.

History

Early history

Excavations in 1980s indicated that a Karelian fortress pre-dated the castle built by the Swedes in 1293. The oldest layers of occupation have been discovered in the so-called Smith's Courtyard. A man-made breastwork of sand with timber posts was found from this area. Also charred remains of buildings, which some were linked to the breastwork, were also found. Tjulenev suggests that the Karelian fort had a wooden tower. Tjulanev's several finds from the area include a bent sword which was dated to the period between 1130 and 1200.

Medieval history

Construction of the next phase of the fortress started in 1293 by orders of Torkel Knutsson, Lord High Constable of Sweden, who in the 1290s made a supposed crusade against Karelia, the Third Swedish Crusade. The crusade was part of the ongoing Swedish–Novgorodian Wars, against the Russians of the Novgorod Republic. Knutsson chose the location of the new fortress to control the Bay of Vyborg, which was bordered by trading sites long used by the local population. From the bay, a navigable river passage goes inland, ultimately connecting the place with several districts, lakes, and, indirectly by portage, with rivers flowing into Lake Ladoga.

In 1364, Albert III of Mecklenburg was proclaimed king of Sweden, and in accordance with the German model he began to divide the castle fiefs, which were immense in Finland, into smaller provinces. In some instances, these new, smaller provinces were given separate bailiffs' residences which have since disappeared; this was the case with the Linnavuori castle mound in Porvoo (Borgå) and the castle of Korsholm in Ostrobothnia, near the modern-day city of Vaasa which was founded later. Only earthworks remain at these sites, but in two places, still-extant though now ruined stone strongholds were built: Raseborg Castle, in western Uusimaa (west of Helsinki), and Kastelholm Castle, in Åland.

The castle and the large surrounding fief became a virtually autonomous principality. Its governors were usually enfeoffed with the incomes of the county. The fief of Viborg became known as a margraviate. Its governors were generally from the most powerful families of the kingdom. They enjoyed large administrative powers at a significant distance from the capital. These realities made them practically independent rulers. The castle of Savonlinna, Olavinlinna (built in the 1470s), was usually subjugated to Viborg.

Prominent men who held Viborg as their fief included Bo Jonsson (Grip), Christer Nilsson Vasa (1417–42), Karl Knutsson Bonde (1442–48, the future king), Eric Axelsson Tott (1457–81), Knut Posse (1495–97), Sten Sture the Elder (1497–99, between his regencies), Eric Bielke, and Count John of Hoya. Particularly in the 1440s and the late 15th century, the fortresses were further enlarged.

The first mention of firearms in Finland relates to Viborg castle in 1429. During the Middle Ages the Russians repeatedly besieged the castle, most famously in 1495 during the Russo-Swedish War (1495–97) while Knut Posse was governor of the castle. The situation of the defenders looked hopeless, but they were saved by the Viborg blast on 30 November 1495 (St. Andrew's Day), a mysterious explosion which scared the Russians away after they believed they had seen a Saint Andrew's cross in the sky.

  • Simulation of Viborg castle ablaze in 1710, after the Russian attack in the Great Northern War Simulation of Viborg castle ablaze in 1710, after the Russian attack in the Great Northern War
  • Vyborg Castle Torsten Wilhelm Forstén: 1840 Vyborg Castle
    Torsten Wilhelm Forstén: 1840
  • Charles VIII leaving Vyborg Castle to the election of the new king in 1448, Severin Falkman , 1886 Charles VIII leaving Vyborg Castle to the election of the new king in 1448, Severin Falkman [fi], 1886

Modern history

Vyborg Castle in 1918

In the 16th century, much was renovated and additions were made. In the 17th century, the castle was allowed to decay, as Russian danger was lessened and the border was further eastwards.

Viborg was taken by the Russians in 1710, but passed back to Finnish hands in 1812 when all of Old Finland was attached to the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland. The castle owes its present appearance to extensive restorations undertaken in the 1890s. The military of the Russian Empire used the castle until 1918 for housing administration.

Viipuri belonged to the newly independent Republic of Finland between 1917–40 and again 1941–44. As a result of border changes in World War II it was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1944.

Architecture

The main castle, located in the eastern part of the islet on its highest hill, has an irregular four-cornered layout, with the immense tower of St. Olav (Pyhän Olavin torni in Finnish) as its biggest section. It is 3–4 storeys tall, varying in places. Outer defensive works surround the main castle, following the islet's coastlines.

  • View of the castle View of the castle
  • Walls of the castle Walls of the castle
  • St. Olav Tower St. Olav Tower

See also

References

  1. "Viborg". Nordisk familjebok. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  2. "History of the museum". Vyborg Regional Museum. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  3. ^ Taavitsainen, Jussi-Pekka (1990). Ancient Hillforts of Finland. Suomen muinaismuistoyhdistyksen aikakausikirja 94. p. 240.
  4. Vyborg Castle, Vyborg, Russia - Spotting History
  5. "Knut Posse". Svenskt biografiskt lexikon. Retrieved August 1, 2020.

Other sources

External links

Finnish castles, fortresses and fortifications
Middle Ages
Major
Other
18th and 19th-century
fortifications
20th-century fortresses
Castles, fortresses and fortifications located outside modern-day Finnish borders shown in italics.
Vyborg Castle in Vyborg, Russia
In castle
Castle overview
Castle overview
Out of castle
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