The Kronstadt forts are a system of defensive structures created to protect St. Petersburg, the capital of the Russian Empire. Their construction lasted about 200 years, and today they stand as a monument to military fortification, unique due to their location. Some of the forts are located on the shores of Kotlin Island, while others are in the waters of the Baltic Sea. These fortresses successfully fulfilled their protective function for centuries, and the Northern capital was not subjected to attacks from the Gulf of Finland during wars. Currently, the forts are not used for their original purpose but have become a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours. They are protected by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site.

History of Construction

In 1703, Peter I, the future Emperor of Russia, laid the foundation for the new capital of the country at the mouth of the Neva, named St. Petersburg. To protect the city from the Swedish fleet during the Northern War, Peter I personally established a military fort opposite Kotlin Island, which proved its effectiveness in battle a year later. Built in record time, it was named Kronshlot, which translates from German as "crown castle."

Interesting fact: The island forts significantly contributed to the protection of St. Petersburg from naval attacks, while the fleet played a supporting role. Contemporaries referred to the future Kronstadt as the "Russian Dardanelles" due to its strategic importance.

Kronstadt became the first example of fortification construction for a naval fortress. Additional structures were built around the fortified core of the city that could function autonomously. Harsh climatic conditions also influenced the history of the defensive line, reflected in the Nordic architecture with minimal decor.

The flood of 1824 completely destroyed the wooden structures of Kronstadt, and the military leadership contemplated the construction of a stone fortress. At the same time, mine barriers were established, which proved useful during the Crimean War. The Anglo-French squadron suffered significant losses and abandoned the landing near the Russian capital.

Interesting fact: Kronstadt was considered the key to conquering St. Petersburg, but all attempts to capture it were in vain. English Admiral Napier during the Crimean War promised to have breakfast on Kotlin and lunch in St. Petersburg, but he did not keep his promise.

Alexander II, who succeeded Nicholas I on the throne, signed a decree for the construction of a defensive line in the Baltic Sea, relying on the fortifications of Kronstadt after the fall of Sevastopol. The work was carried out under the guidance of General Totleben, whose military experience was beneficial. As a result, a chain of forts was created, with improvements keeping pace with the development of the military fleet and artillery. The forts underwent all stages of rearmament, and during the blockade of Leningrad, they were used to repel air attacks.

After World War II, the need for fortification structures in Leningrad disappeared, and the Kronstadt fortress was disbanded. The fortifications fell into disrepair, and during the construction of flood protection structures, several forts, including "Konstantin," were damaged.

Southern Forts

The southern fairway of the Gulf of Finland is deeper than the northern one, and the danger often came from this direction, so the construction of the defensive line began here. The fortification structures have a feature: the walls are almost devoid of corners and look like huge ovals.

Kronshlot

Kronshlot, the first fortress on the Baltic Sea, was founded by Peter the Great. The architect of the structure was the famous Trezzini. For the first time, during construction, "ridges," structures made of logs, were used, submerged underwater and covered with stones.

On the territory of the fort, there is a tall lighthouse and a demagnetization station for ships of the Baltic Fleet. Kronshlot remains a restricted area, with access granted only by special passes. Tourist boats usually stop in front of the fortress walls, narrating events of the Northern War.

"Emperor Alexander I"

The fort began construction during the Crimean War and was named after Emperor Alexander Romanov. In 1897, an anti-plague laboratory was established at the site of the fortification, hence its second name, "Plague Fort." Access to the territory was prohibited, and logistics were carried out through waterways. The work on the vaccine was completed successfully, and medications were supplied to Europe as humanitarian aid, although several doctors died during trials.

Interesting fact: The French fort "Boyard" was built based on the Russian structure. It stood empty for several decades until it became a filming location for the namesake show.

After the Bolsheviks came to power, the fort ceased to be used for military purposes and stood abandoned for a long time. The city administration planned to open a cultural and entertainment center, but these ideas were not realized. Nevertheless, summer electronic music festivals were held on the complex's territory, which were soon banned due to the dilapidated state of the structures.

Interesting fact: During the filming of the movie "Gunpowder" in 1985, the fort's walls were set on fire according to the script, causing significant damage to the premises and giving the fortress a more mystical appearance.

"Alexander I" is surrounded by an aura of mystery, and the underground communications have become the setting for urban legends. Some tourists claim to have found a secret laboratory with thousands of test tubes containing unknown substances.

"Count Milyutin"

The fort is named after the Minister of War of the Russian Empire, a comrade of Alexander the Liberator. For the first time in Russian fortification, artillery pieces were installed in rotating towers. "Milyutin" is a small fortress, but inside it retains unique mechanisms, including elevators for raising shells and a rangefinder. On the roof of the fortress, there is an observation deck from which ships navigating the St. Petersburg area can be seen.

"Risbank"

Its construction began under Paul I and was completed under Nicholas I. A lot of granite was used in the construction. During World War I, it was the largest fort in the defense line of St. Petersburg and became a storage for naval mines. In 1923, shells detonated, completely destroying the fort. Soviet military personnel established an artillery firing range on its site. Today, the ruins of "Risbank" are planned to be transformed into a tourist center.

Coastal Forts of Kronstadt

"Konstantin"

The Russo-Swedish War forced the Russian government to strengthen the coastline of Kronstadt. In 1808, the fortress "Konstantin" appeared, named after the son of Emperor Nicholas. A large battery stood on the walls, and granite was used, so the casemates have survived to this day.

Interesting fact: The fort "Konstantin" played an important role in the Crimean War, becoming a key center of fortifications. Chief Engineer Totleben faced embezzlement and raised the salaries of workers and administration.

"Konstantin" is the most dynamically developing fort today. It offers tours, houses the "House of Lighthouses" museum with reduced copies of lighthouses in the Gulf of Finland and a recreated keeper's office. There is also a museum dedicated to the life of military sailors, featuring an exclusive collection of photographs from pre-revolutionary Russia.

"Reef"

"Reef," the oldest fortification structure in Kronstadt, where Swedish troops landed in 1704. It was equipped with modern weapons, including an experimental tower casemate. During the Civil War, the garrison participated in the 1921 uprising, after which the fortifications fell into disrepair. During perestroika, many structures were scrapped, and "Reef" was considered ownerless for some time, but later returned under state care.

Visiting "Reef" is difficult; special permission is required. An ecological trail runs near the fort, making it the greenest fortress on Kotlin. Legends about the fort's underground communications say they are the longest.

"Shants"

The fort was built during the Northern War and has been restored multiple times. During World War I, heavy artillery batteries were installed. North of Kotlin, 25 old ships were sunk to create a barrier for the enemy. Most of the fortifications of "Shants" are named after military figures.

An important point: The territory of "Shants" has many ventilation shafts, which creates difficulties for visitors. The danger to tourists has led to restricted access.

The coastline at "Shants" is gentle, and the shallow sandbank has become the hallmark of the fort. The water here warms up, and tourists can often be seen relaxing on the sand.

Battery "Prince Menshikov"

The defensive structure on Kotlin Island is not a fort in the strict sense but has entered the history of Kronstadt's defense. Construction lasted 9 years and was completed in 1850. The works were overseen by engineer Zarzhetsky, who used innovations in fortification.

The arches of the battery were made from concrete purchased in the USA and Europe. The battery was rebuilt several times, consisting of four tiers. Wars destroyed the building, and only one floor remains of "Prince Menshikov." The main attraction is the graveyard of the Baltic Fleet's ships, complicating navigation in the area.

Northern Forts

The northern forts are located near Sestroretsk, and their construction began later than the southern ones. They had numbered names, and artificial islands on marine shoals were used in their creation. A embankment runs along the perimeter of the defensive line, which at one time was used by trains transporting ammunition and personnel.

The increase in firing range led to the construction of two additional forts, "Totleben" and "Obruchev," in 1896. After the Bolshevik coup, they were renamed "May Day" and "Red Army."

Interesting fact: Chief of the General Staff Obruchev initiated the reconstruction of Kronstadt's fortifications, moving some batteries to the west. Military engineers rebuilt the fort "Krasnaya Gorka," which was crucial in suppressing the sailors' uprising during the Civil War.

"Obruchev" lost its appearance; locals scavenged the structures for scrap metal. The ruins became overgrown with vegetation, and its location away from tourist routes makes the fort popular among lovers of wild recreation.

One of the most beautiful forts in Kronstadt is considered to be "Zverev." Training shoots were conducted on its territory, and military equipment exhibits have been preserved. In front of the structure is a parking lot for cars, and many tourists from St. Petersburg visit.

The northern fort under the letter 6 was considered the best preserved, with metal decorative elements and spiral staircases. In the courtyard stands a steam crane for unloading heavy cargo. In 2018, the fort was looted, and some unique exhibits were lost.

Excursions and Role in St. Petersburg Tourism

Most of the forts are unguarded and stand abandoned. The atmosphere of neglect creates a depressing impression; rusty structures and broken buildings do not add respectability. The northern fairway forts have suffered the most, and visiting some of them is dangerous. They are surrounded by mountains of garbage, and the walls are covered in graffiti.

Enthusiasts are trying to stop the process of destroying this unique line, but they lack funds. The rich history of Kotlin Island may help attract tourists. With their assistance, it is planned to restore some of the fortresses.

In summer, tourist ships traverse the Baltic Sea, offering excursions. Most depart from the "Konstantin" fort, and landing on the territory of the fortifications usually does not occur. Tickets can be purchased in Kronstadt and St. Petersburg, with prices varying depending on the season and group size.

During the excursion, guides tell about the military past of the fortress and the current state of the fortifications. The duration usually does not exceed an hour, during which tourists receive a lot of information. It is recommended to choose a weekday for visiting to avoid overcrowding on the boat.

An important point: Boarding takes place 20 minutes before departure. In case of tardiness, the ticket is canceled, and the tourist is not allowed on the excursion.

The administration of Kronstadt, with the support of the Navy, plans to turn the area into the largest historical island-museum in the world dedicated to the military fortification of pre-revolutionary Russia. Part of the project has already been completed, with the first cluster of the national park opened in 2020 under the name "Island of Forts."

It is planned to reconstruct three forts, open a port, and create infrastructure for tourists, including a waterfront and a water park. A special place will be occupied by the museum of the Baltic Fleet with rare exhibits. As of 2021, the Alley of Heroes and the Lighthouse of Memory with the names of sailors distinguished in wars are operational.

An important point: In winter, the Gulf of Finland freezes, and many fortifications can be reached on foot across the ice. However, such movements are prohibited due to cracks and ridges near the stone walls.