The town of Kingisepp is a large industrial city in North-Western Russia. Historical development of the city dates back to the 14th century. As you know, at all times of the Novgorod Republic was the center of the attack of the Swedish and German troops. Over time, the Novgorod, the fortress could not hold back the waves of enemies, resulting in 1384, it was decided to erect on the banks of the river Luga, near the confluence of the river into the Gulf of Finland, a fortress of Yam.

The earliest fortifications of the fortress of Yam were almost completely destroyed, and then rebuilt. In those days, the fortress served as a great not only defensive, but also a military facility, because it was built in accordance with the latest requirements engineering and military art of the 14th century. Yamburg fortress stood on the banks of the river meadows and shaped like a trapezoid or a rectangle. Around the perimeter of the fortress was built fence with high stone walls, gates and tower extensions. As a building material was chosen gray limestone, and large boulders. Walls with outer and inner sides were faced with in the form of hewn flagstone. The inner part of the wall consisted of cobble stones, fastened with a solution. Outdoor component of the fortress was protected by a large moat, preserved. The construction of the new fortress of Yam took only 33 days, because five districts of Novgorod took part in it.

In 1395 it was made the first attack by the Swedish army in Yamburg fortress, and it stood the first test. Two years later, impregnable interested in the construction of the Livonian knights, but they never dared to approach her. The most important role of the military fortifications played the Yam fortress during the war of the Novgorodians with Sweden and the Livonian order throughout with 1433 on 1448 years. In 1444, the share of the fortress had a five-day siege, which managed to repel. In 1447, the Livonian order again attacked the impregnable fortress that was the most memorable event in its military history. The siege lasted more than 13 days, the German troops several times attempted to storm, firing a fortress of massive cannons. But the fortress endured the attack of the enemy, saving the lives of many soldiers.

Frequent wars and attacks caused the tower and its walls to a condition requiring immediate repair. Therefore, in 1448, was signed the peace Treaty between the Livonian order and Novgorod. Archbishop of Novgorod Euthymios II ordered the demolition of the fortress and build in its place a new large stone fortress.

Built a new fortress was located in the same place, but had the shape of a trapezoid. Interestingly, the Eastern part of the wall was somewhat concave, simulating a river bend. From the outside the perimeter of the walls reached to the mark of 720 m, and the total area was equal to 2, 5 hectares. It was the first tower that has a proper and reliable layout. The fortress was equipped with towers, which contrasted with incredible strength.

Yamburg the fortress had a distinctive feature – the citadel, consisting of four towers, which greatly complicated the process of penetration into the fortress. It is known that the thickness of the walls was at least four meters.

Over time around the fortress was founded a city which became the center of trade on the river meadows. By that time the influence of Novgorod weakened, so the new city quickly began to thrive.

In the autumn of 1581 the Swedes captured Yamburg fortress, and after a while, she went to Sweden. The Swedish government has decided not to restore the dilapidated fortress, therefore, in 1682, she was just blown up. In 1703 Yamburg again was returned to Russia, but the fortress has lost its purpose and got destroyed to the end.

Today Yamburg fortress is no more, but a small stone fragments all can be seen from the banks of the Luga. Once on this spot stood the extraordinary power of the fortress, which now spread their limbs centuries-old majestic trees.