Fortresses and Strongholds

Peter the Great’s naval fortress on Naissaar
After the Tsuhima Sea Battle of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, Tsar Nicholas II ordered the construction of the Baltic shore fortifications. The largest firepower cannon batteries of Peter the Great’s Maritime Fortress were built on Naissaar Island. Battery 10B contained a large rotating cannon...
Kiiu Vassal Stronghold, or the Kiiu Tower

The medieval Kiiu Tower was probably completed in the beginning of the 16th century, and it is located in Kiiu manor park. This former residential tower is the smallest surviving medieval defensive structure in the Baltic countries. The tower has four floors; the walls are 1.8 m thick, and the...

Bastion of Peter the Great's naval fortress, or Muula hills
Paldiski harbour was destined to become an important stronghold in the Russian defence system, and Czar Peter the Great designed the Dutch type fortifications himself. The fortress with five bastions, located on Pakri peninsula, was cut into the high limestone as one solid construction; the earth...