On Orekhov Island, at the source of the Neva River from Lake Ladoga, lies the fortress Oreshak, which celebrates its 700th anniversary in 2023. The first mentions of these places appear in the Novgorod chronicles of 1228, when the famous trade route "From the Varangians to the Greeks" passed through the Neva. The fortress was founded by Grand Prince Yuri of Novgorod.

Today, Oreshak is a significant monument of architecture and history. The fortress occupies almost the entire island, featuring five defensive structures: four round towers and one quadrangular Gate Tower. In the northeastern part is the citadel with three towers, of which only one remains. The others have turned into ruins.

Each tower had its own name and function. The Mill Tower housed a mill, while the Bell Tower signaled danger. Outside the fortress walls are various buildings, most of which have not survived in their original form. Here, one can see the St. John Cathedral, prison buildings, the New People's Will Prison, and the legendary Secret House.

In the Middle Ages, the fortress had strategic importance, protecting the lands from the Swedes. With its monolithic walls rising from the water, the fortress was practically impregnable, but in 1612, the Swedes captured it after a long siege. The fortress then received the name "Oreshak," while the Swedes renamed it "Noteburg," or "Nut City."

During the Great Northern War in the early 18th century, the Ladoga Flotilla under Peter the First recaptured the fortress, after which it was called Shlisselburg, or "Key City." This marked Russia's first victory in the Northern War, opening the way to the Baltic Sea. In 1798, the Secret House, a prison designed by Peter Yurievich, was established in the fortress.

The Shlisselburg Fortress earned the nickname "Russian Bastille." Here, disgraced members of the Romanov family and undesirable public figures were held. After the founding of Kronstadt, the fortress lost its military significance and became a prison for notable prisoners, including Tsarevich Alexei and members of Prince Dolgorukov's family.

In the early 19th century, the fortress became a place of confinement for sailors and Decembrists, such as Ivan Pushchin and Wilhelm Küchelbecker. The cells were small and gloomy, leaving a depressing impression on the inmates.

By the end of the 19th century, death row inmates were sent to Shlisselburg, and in 1881, by order of Alexander the Third, a new prison for members of the "People's Will" was built. Prisoners communicated through the walls using Morse code, but could be sent to solitary confinement for this. The prison was equipped with modern conveniences, but the inmates were completely isolated.

In Shlisselburg was John VI Antonovich, who was killed in 1764. Here, five "second of March" conspirators were also executed. The only successful escape was that of Ivan Romashov, who was soon caught.

From 1907, the fortress housed Social Revolutionaries and extremists, including Alexander Ulyanov, Lenin's brother. Nikolai Morozov spent over 20 years here, during which he learned 11 languages and wrote 26 works.

After the February Revolution, the prisoners were released, and the prisons were burned. In the early 1940s, the fortress was used as a warehouse and was defended for 500 days. In the 1960s, a museum was established here, which is now being restored and opened for visits.

The fortress occupies the entire Orekhov Island and has the shape of an irregular heptagon. Tourists can see memorials and monuments related to the history of the fortress. The rooms of the fortress feature exhibitions telling the stories of prisoners and defenders.

In 1702, Peter the First said of Oreshak: "This Nut was very harsh, but, thank God, it has been happily cracked." Even the fascist invaders could not "crack" it. According to legends, the towers of the fortress hold the secret of longevity. Political prisoners befriended convicts, teaching them literacy. During the war, the fortress withstood shelling thanks to the heroism of its defenders.

Today, interactive games and tours take place on the island. Schoolchildren can participate in living history lessons, try on armor, and learn to throw spears. The museum complex is open for visits from May to October.