The city of Kronstadt is known not only for its magnificent cathedral, parks, and museums. It also houses a unique defensive structure, Fort "Konstantin," located right in the port's waters and protecting the city from the south. For centuries, this naval fortress defended the city from maritime threats. Today, it hosts a border checkpoint, a yacht club, as well as a tourist and historical-cultural center.

The UNESCO-protected forts of Kronstadt attract numerous tourists from around the world each year. Initially, this complex was created to protect the city from the sea, but over time it became a monument to fortification art. In more than 200 years of existence, the defense of Petersburg has never been breached.

Each fort in Kronstadt is a small fortification on an artificial island. Only a few of them are located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. The defensive complex included 19 naval forts, of which 17 remain today.

Fort "Konstantin" was built in response to the Anglo-Russian War of 1807, when Russia urgently needed to strengthen the naval defense of St. Petersburg. A shoal was chosen in the northern part of the Kronstadt raid, and wooden logs were installed and filled with stone, creating a solid foundation for the new fortification.

On this artificial island, a wooden battery approximately 170 m long and 10 m wide was constructed. Logs prepared on the shore were used and delivered to the construction site. The battery, armed with 45 cannons, was named "Double Southern." The fort was equipped with modern armament, including 25 cannons for 36-pound shot and 12 units of 30-pound guns, as well as upgraded unicorn howitzers. The fort's garrison consisted of 250 men.

Fort "Konstantin" was damaged during the flood of 1824 and was restored by 1826. In 1834, the fort was modernized, adding protection against rear attacks and an inner harbor. By 1860, the construction of the stone fort was completed, making it more resilient to climatic conditions.

By 1863, the fort was fully equipped for artillery placement. In 1866, barracks were completed, and later two defensive lines were merged into one. In 1870, the fort was equipped with mines for a "concealed battery," which accelerated the reloading of the guns.

In the 1890s, the fort underwent reconstruction: a dam was built through it, the area increased, and new guns were installed. Successful tests of a wireless telegraph were also conducted.

In the 20th century, Fort "Konstantin" was used during the Great Patriotic War for the defense of the Oranienbaum bridgehead. Its last reconstruction took place in 1950, and in the 1960s, the fort was abandoned.

Since the 2000s, the fort has become a venue for dance festivals, including FORTDANCE. Today, military-historical reenactments and large festivals take place here. Museums dedicated to lighthouses and the history of the fortress operate. Visitors can take guided tours of the fort or enjoy a boat trip along the defensive line of Kronstadt.