Hermann Castle, Medieval castle in Narva, Estonia
Hermann Castle is a medieval fortress in Narva built on limestone cliffs overlooking the Narva River. The structure features a main quadrilateral layout with the prominent High Hermann tower standing as its tallest element above the defensive walls.
Danish rulers established a wooden fortification here in 1256 to control river trade routes. The Livonian Order later took over the site and rebuilt it in stone, transforming it into a lasting defensive stronghold.
The castle houses craft workshops in its northern courtyard where artisans demonstrate traditional skills passed down through generations in this region. Visitors can observe how medieval craftspeople worked and understand the daily life of people who once lived within these walls.
The castle is accessible from multiple entrances and visitors can explore the various areas of the complex at their own pace. Wear comfortable shoes as moving through the towers and along the defensive walls involves climbing several staircases.
The fortress faces directly across the Narva River toward Ivangorod Castle in Russia, creating a rare example of two medieval fortifications facing each other across a border. This direct proximity between two opposing structures reveals how the river served as a historical dividing line between different powers.
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