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Vyborg Castle (Finnish: Viipurin linna, Swedish: Viborgs slott, Russian: Выборгский замок) is a Swedish built medieval fortress around which the town of Vyborg (in Finnish Viipuri) evolved.

General

It was one of the three major castles of Finland. It was built as the easternmost outpost of the medieval kingdom of Sweden: its location is the Carelian isthmus, a little islet in the innermost corner of that gulf of the Baltic Sea, in a tight strait which connects Suomenvedenpohja to Bay of Viipuri. It was originally constructed in 1290s.

The town was orginally located inside the outer fortress circle of the castle system, at the fortress island, but it had to be moved to its today location out of the island because of tightness of space.

Medieval history

The construction of the fortress started in 1293 by orders of Tyrgils Knutsson, the Lord High Constable of Sweden who made in 1290's a so-called crusade to Karelia, the so-called Third Finnish Crusade, actually against Russians, i.e the Republic of Novgorod. He chose the location of the new fortress: To keep the Bay of Vyborg, the trading place there used by locals already for long time. From the bay, a river way goes inland, ultimately connecting the place to several districts, lakes, and indirectly also to rivers going to Ladoga.

The three high-medieval Finnish "castle fiefs" were ruled from the castles of Abo, Tavastehus and Vyborg, respectively until the 1360s.

In 1366, Albert III of Mecklenburg was elected king, and according to the German model he began to divide up the castle fiefs, which were immense in Finland, into smaller provinces. In some cases, these new, smaller provinces were given separate bailiffs' residences which have since disappeared; this was the case with the Linnavuori castle mound in Porvoo and castle of Korsholm in Ostrobothnia, near the today city of Vaasa which was founded later. Only earthworks remain at these sites, but in two places, stone strongholds were built which still exist, although in ruins. One is Raasepori in western Uusimaa (west of Helsinki), the other Kastelholm castle in the Åland islands

The castle became the stronghold for the Swedish realm in Karelian regions. Throughout centuries, it was the first defence of the kingdom against Russians. Its status in late Middle Ages actually was next in importance to the Stockholm castle.

The castle and the large surrounding fief became a virtually autonomous principality. Its governors were usually fiefed with the incomes of the county. The fief of Viborg became known as a margraviate. Its governors were generally from the most powerful families of the kingdom. They enjoyed large administrative powers and a good distance from the capital. Those realities made them practically independent rulers. Usually, the castle of Olavinlinna (built in 1470s) was subjugated to Viipuri.

Prominent figures who held Viipuri as their fief, were Bo Jonsson Grip, Christer Nilsson Vasa (1417-42), Karl Knutsson Bonde (1442-48, the future king), Eric Axelson Tott (1457-81), Knut Posse (1495-97), Sten Sture the Elder (1497-99, between his regencies), Eric Bielke and count John of Hoya. Particularly in 1440's and in late 15th century, the fortresses were further enlarged.

The first mention of firearms in Finland relates to Viborg castle, in 1429. During the Middle Ages the castle was repeatedly besieged by the Russians, most famously in 1495, during the Russo-Swedish War (1496-1499). Governor Knut Posse was in office 1495-1497. The situation of the defenders looked hopeless, but they were saved by the Viborg blast on 30 November1495, a mysterious explosion which scared off the Russians because they reportedly saw a St. Andrew's cross in the sky.

Modern history

In 16th century, much was renovated and additions made. In 17th century, the castle was allowed to get a bit ruined, as Russian danger was decreased and the border placed much easter.

Viipuri was taken by the Russians in 1710, but passed back to Finnish hands in 1812 when all Old Finland was joined to the Grand Duchy of Finland. The castle owes its present appearance to extensive restorations undertaken in the 1890s.

Since the end of WWII in 1944 it has again been on the Russian side of the border. Russian military administration used the castle until 1918. Currently, it contains a museum.

Architecture

Main castle, located in eastern part of the islet on itts highest hill, has an irregular four-cornered layout, with the immense tower of St.Olav as its biggest part. 3 or 4 floors, varying in places. Outer fortresses surround the main castle. They follow the islet's coastlines.

References

• Medievals castles of Finland, by Dr Carl Jacob Gardberg, state archaeologist

• Medieval Finland
• Castles in Russia
• 13th century establishments
• Vyborg