Suomenlinna Fortress

Suomenlinna is a major monument of military architecture. During the Swedish rule, the construction of the sea fortress on six islands just off Helsinki in 1748 as a protection against Russian expansionism. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. Originally named Sveaborg (Fortress of Svea), or Viapori as called by Finns, it was renamed Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) in 1918 for patriotic and nationalist reasons, though it is still also known by its original name. It is an example of the Star Fort style of fortification. Today the fortress is on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and Suomenlinna is one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Photo Credit: Jussi Hellstén