Economically advantageous location of the city of Narva on the border and the intersection of trade routes allowed the city to earn a good condition. However, this frontier location made the city the first object of conquest, the first target during wars and conflicts. So for centuries the rulers spared no expense to create the system-building of Narva.
Can be called a miracle that the Narva castle, survived a huge number of wars and repeated reconstruction, has survived to our times, and today we can enjoy its magnificent view.
The exact date of the castle grounds, among historians there is no consensus. However, they are jointly and severally concerning the sequence of events. First, approximately in the 13th century by the Danes, who conquered Northern Estonia, built a wooden Fort at the crossing of the river Narva and the old road. Under the protection of this fortress was developing the town of Narva.
In the early 14th century after a series of conflicts with the Russians, the Danes started to build a stone fortress, which was the predecessor of the present castle of Herman. The stone fortress was a castle with a tower and walls with a height of 40 m. the later was built the outer courtyard, where local residents were allowed to hide in case of war.
In 1347 g Northern Estonia (including Narva) was sold to the Livonian order, who converted the castle into the house of the convent. Earlier around the city was a wall that to 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 reinforced with not less than 7 towers.
In 1558 the Russians conquered the city by the Livonian Order, but in 1581 g Narva was again the Swedes. In the Chronicles there is a detailed description of how within 2 days of the gun Swedes punched a hole in the wall. The Swedes knew that the defenses of the castle were now obsolete and a new battle will not stand against firearms. Therefore, they carried out numerous works on modernization and strengthening of the fortifications. On the territory of the old town of Narva is the hill, which is the ruins of the Bastion of the "Royal shaft", where, most likely, were earthen tower.
In 1683 g of the Swedish king has approved the project to build a totally new system-building structures, designed by the famous military engineer Erik Dahlberg. According to the draft, protective structures in the form of city walls remained within the zone of strengthening, which has almost completely lost its functionality. Only the side that faced the river remained unchanged, while the Northern and Western parts were expanded. Construction on the project began in 1684, and continued until 1704, when the city was again conquered by the Russians. Due to the huge costs spent on this project, Narva became the city with the most powerful defensive system of that time in Eastern Europe.
Thus far preserved coastal bastions Victoria, pax (or Wrangel) and Arrogance. Besides these well-preserved Bastion of Fortuna, which is located on the southwest corner of the castle, the Bastion of the Gloria at the end of the street crossroads of the arts, and the South wall of the Bastion Triumph, which is located near Peter's square. On the external walls of the bastions Gloria and Victoria you can see the entrances to the casemates, which today are under threat of collapse.
After the victory of Russia in the Northern war, Estonia, including Narva, turned to Russia. The city lost its strategic importance. In 1863, Narva has ceased to be a fortress town, and the territory of Victoria Bastion near the river began construction of the Park, which, due to their proximity to the Dark gate, was named the Dark garden.The Narva castle and the city itself was severely damaged during the Second world war. The revival of the old castle began in 1950, the Building is under renovation and in our days. Today, surviving objects are actively used by locals and tourists. The Narva castle is a Museum, and on the bastions created a beautiful Park, perfect for walking and relaxing. In addition to the permanent exhibition in Narva castle arranged and temporary exhibitions. Also in the fortress organizes various events, celebrations and festivals.
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