The Suomenlinna is a fortress in Finland, built on six islands near Helsinki.
Suomenlinna Fortress History
It was begun by Lieut.-Col. Augustin Ehrensvärd in 1748, when Finland was part of Sweden, and building continued during the Russian period.
Suomenlinna is an irregular bastion fortress, built of granite and adapted to its island site. The buildings show some Rococo influence, the 19th-century barracks being eclectic in style. As a naval base, the functional center of the fortress was the galley harbor, with its dry dock blasted into the seabed.
The most notable of the castle courtyards was the Great Courtyard, a square closed on all sides, which narrowed to the east giving a false perspective.
At its western end, there were two curved buildings, which formed an exedra motif. In the middle of the courtyard is the tomb of Augustin Ehrensväard. The Great Courtyard was partly destroyed in 1885, in bombings during the Crimean War.
In the 18th century, Suomenlinna Fortress was important both as a cultural center and for technical innovations. Between 1918 and 1972 it was a Finnish military base, and now, as well as being one of the most important cultural monuments in Finland, it is also a lively community.
In 1991 Suomenlinna Fortress was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Suomenlinna is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland. It is a maritime fortress consisting of a group of islands.
What to see and to do
- A 4-minute aerial tour of the fortress
- 15-minute ferry tour
- Visit its historical sights such as fortress walls, tunnels, cannons, and museums
- Rest and relax: restaurants and coffee shops
Suomenlinna Fortress Location
Suomenlinna Fortress Location: Next to Helsinki, about 15 minutes boat ride from the center.