| Ivangorod fortress was built in 1492 by Ivan III for protection from Livonian and Swedish forces. That’s why it was erected on the bank of the river Narova opposite knight’s castle Narva. At first the fortress was small. There is even a legend that it was built on the territory of a horse-skin cut into pieces. Then the fortress grew and was rebuilt. Several times both Narva and Ivangorod passed into the hands of the Russians and the Swedes. Only during the North war in 1704 Peter I managed to return Narva and Ivangorod to Russia. During World War II the fortress suffered from the nazi who blew it up when retreating and from numerous battle bombardments. Nevertheless now the fortress looks rather majestically. It is a pity that the castle of Narva is not so easy to visit – the visa to Estonia is necessary. |
