Hamina Fortress
Kymenlaakso
Hamina Fortress, located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland in the city center of Hamina, Finland, is one of the world's few circular star forts. Constructed initially in the early 1720s by Swedish general Axel von Löwen after the Treaty of Nystad, it was designed to halt Russian expansion and secure sea routes. The fortress features six bastions named after other Finnish fortified cities, embodying Renaissance ideals inspired by the Italian city of Palmanova. After partial capture by Russian forces during the Russo-Swedish War (1741–1743), General Alexander Suvorov continued its construction, adding robust grey stone walls. In the 19th century, Dutch-born General Jan Pieter van Suchtelen modernized the fortress defenses, including building a large masonry bastion on the northern shore. Though abandoned after the Finnish War border changes in the 1830s, it saw renewed military use during the Crimean War. Since restoration efforts began in 1957, the fortress has been preserved and now serves both cultural and military functions, including hosting the internationally renowned Hamina Tattoo military music event. Portions of the fortress remain active as the Finnish Reserve Officer School is situated within its walls. Its unique circular design, historical bastions, and integration into the town make it a remarkable site reflecting both military architecture and urban Renaissance concepts.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Hamina Fortress is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and cultural events like the bi-annual Hamina Tattoo military music festival take place. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets for events in advance due to their popularity. Parts of the fortress are still in military use, so some areas may have restricted access. Exploring the bastions and the restored tunnels offers a unique experience. Check local opening hours and guided tour availability before visiting. Discounts are often available for groups, students, and seniors.
Faits intéressants
- •Hamina Fortress is one of the few circular star forts in the world, inspired by the Renaissance ideal city of Palmanova in Italy.
- •The fortress originally had seven bastions, six of which remain today, each named after Finnish fortified cities.
- •In 1998, the Central Bastion was covered by Europe's largest summer tent canopy.
- •The fortress hosts the internationally recognized Hamina Tattoo, a military music event held every two years.
- •Parts of the fortress continue to serve military purposes as the Finnish Reserve Officer School is located there.
Histoire
The site of Hamina Fortress was originally the marketplace of Vehkalahti, granted city rights in 1653 as Vehkalahden Uusikaupunki, but destroyed in the Great Northern War in 1712.
Construction of the fortress began in the early 1720s under Swedish command to prevent Russian expansion.
During the Russo-Swedish War (1741–1743), the unfinished fortress was captured by Russia, which then continued its construction under General Alexander Suvorov.
In the early 19th century, the fortress was modernized by General Jan Pieter van Suchtelen.
After the Finnish War, the fortress was abandoned in the 1830s but was reinforced again during the Crimean War.
Restoration began in 1957, preserving much of the fortress for cultural and military use today.
Guide du lieu
Central Bastion (Keskusbastioni)1803
Located on the northern edge of the fortress by Kirkkojärvi lake, this bastion was constructed in 1803 following designs by Dutch-born General Jan Pieter van Suchtelen. It features 58 casemates and is flanked by two fortified artillery positions called Puolikuu 1 and Puolikuu 2. In 1998, it was covered by the largest summer tent canopy in Europe, making it a prominent event space.
Savonlinna Bastion
Situated east of the Central Bastion, north of Kadettikoulunkatu street, this bastion houses the main building of the Reserve Officer School and the garrison hospital, highlighting its continued military significance.
Hamina Bastion
Located in the eastern part of the fortress south of Kadettikoulunkatu street, this bastion should not be confused with the Central Bastion also referred to as Hamina Bastioni. It is part of the original bastion system protecting the fortress.
Turku Bastion
Found in the southern part of the fortress near Maariankatu street, this bastion is now privately owned after being sold by the Senate property. It forms part of the historical fortification system.
Hämeenlinna Bastion
Located north of Mannerheimintie, this bastion contains a powder magazine that has been repurposed as an art gallery and meeting space. It also hosts the summer theater of Hamina Theatre, blending cultural activities with historical architecture.
Lappeenranta Gate Guardhouse1774
Built in 1774 along current Mannerheimintie, this guardhouse was the fortress and garrison headquarters from 1840 to 1974. It later housed the Reserve Officer School museum and the Finnish National Board of Antiquities office. The building has undergone restoration to return it closer to its original form.