| Fortress Koporie is one of the ancient fortresses of the North-West of Russia. It was founded in 1240 by the Germans and by the year 1241 was destroyed by prince Alexander Nevsky. At that time these places belonged to Novgorod. In 1280 inhabitants of Novgorod built a new stone fortress at this place. However 2 years later they destroyed the fortress themselves because of the disagreements with the local price. Up to Livonian war (XV cent) the fortress was a defense center of Novgorod. In 1297 citizens of Novgorod rebuilt the fortress for protection from the Swedes invasions. In 1581 the Swedes occupy the fortress, but in 1591 Russian troops return it back. In 1612 (times of distemper) 2 thousand Swedes besieged Koporie and after that the garrison surrendered. Under Stolbosvky treaty of 1617 the fortress was transferred to the Swedes. In 1656 the Russians tried to return it, but failed. It was a successfully done only in 1703 by Peter the Great. With moving away of Russian boundaries to the West Koporie lost its strategic war meaning and in 1763 it was abolished as a fortress. It has become a museum now and is in a great state of desolation. However historical walls preserved well. Money at the entrance is gathered – may be something will be restored soon. |
