The ancient fortress in the village of Koporye, Leningrad region, is not very popular among tourists. It is not included in the main tourist routes and lacks developed infrastructure. The dilapidated state of the fortress deters casual visitors who fear that a stone might fall on them or a crumbling wall might collapse.

Nevertheless, people are willing to overcome a long journey to see the unique features of the old Koporye fortress, which are not found in any other defensive structure in the Leningrad region and possibly in the entire northwest.

The fortress, built in 1237, was erected by the knights of the Livonian Order as a symbol of their power over the Novgorod lands. However, in 1241, Prince Alexander Nevsky expelled the knights and destroyed the fortress. Later, in 1279, the prince's son, Dmitry Alexandrovich, recognized the strategic position of this place and built a wooden church here, followed by a stone town. However, the fortress was soon destroyed by the Novgorodians.

Twelve years later, the Transfiguration Church reappeared here, followed by the fortress and a new town. In 1581, the fortress passed to the Swedes, but nine years later it returned to Russia. According to the Treaty of Stolbovo, it again found itself in Swedish Ingermanland and only finally returned to Russia in 1703 thanks to Peter I. The fortress served until 1763 but gradually lost its defensive functions.

During the Civil War, the fortress again found itself at the center of hostilities. White Army General Yudenich attempted to capture it, but the first attempt failed. The second attempt on May 24 was successful. During the Great Patriotic War, the fortress also became a battlefield, but it did not hold significant strategic importance.

After the war, the fortress suffered from a fire that caused serious damage to the walls and towers. Later, the fortress was granted museum status and entered the list of cultural heritage sites of federal significance, but today it is in need of restoration.

The Koporye fortress is located on a hill and follows its contours. The complex includes gates, a bridge, towers, secret passages, tombs, and a church. Towers such as the Northern, Southern, Middle, and Corner towers have survived quite well, although the unique tent roofs have been lost. The entrance to the fortress is unusual for Russian fortifications and resembles Balkan traditions.

The secret passages of the fortress were used for reconnaissance and sabotage. The oldest dates back to 1297, but they are currently lost. Legend has it that Swedish King Charles XII dined in one of the secret passages and hastily forgot his crown there.

The Spaso-Transfiguration Church has survived in the fortress, but it is in an emergency state. It has burned down twice and was converted into a Lutheran church. In 1880, a tomb for the Zinoviev family was built, but today it is also in a deplorable condition.

Among the notable figures associated with Koporye was Yakov Nikitich Rimsky-Korsakov, the great-grandfather of the composer, and artist Orest Kiprensky, who was born here in 1782. The fortress holds many mysteries and secrets, and its medieval towers create a romantic atmosphere for visitors. Some may even find a rare orchid growing near the fortress.