Oreshek Fortress, Medieval fortress on Orekhovy Island in Schlyüsselburg, Russia
The stone fortress contains seven towers with thick walls positioned strategically at the source of the Neva River on Lake Ladoga.
The Novgorod Republic constructed the initial wooden fortification in 1323 to protect northern trade routes and maintain control over the Baltic Sea access.
The structure transformed from a military stronghold into a political prison during Imperial Russia, holding numerous significant government opponents and revolutionaries.
Visitors reach the fortress by taking a train from Saint Petersburg Finlandsky station to Petrokrepost, followed by a ferry ride to the island.
During the Siege of Leningrad, Soviet soldiers defended this strategic position for 500 days despite continuous German bombardment.
Location: Shlisselburg
Inception: 1323
Founders: Novgorod Republic
Part of: Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
Website: http://spbmuseum.ru/themuseum/museum_complex/oreshek_fortress
GPS coordinates: 59.95383,31.03887
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:51
These fortresses represent European military architecture from medieval to Renaissance periods. From the Baltic to the Black Sea, castles and strongholds stand on mountain peaks, river banks, and strategic heights. The structures display various defense techniques and regional building traditions.
Ladoga Canal
1.3 km
Annunciation Cathedral in Shlisselburg
1.2 km
Steel Way (monument)
1 km
Crossing memorial
1 km
Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul des manufactures de poudre de Schlüsselbourg
2.2 km
Monument to Peter the Great in Shlisselburg
988 m
Gatehouse of Saints Peter and Paul church
2.2 km
Naumov House, Schlüsselburg
978 m
Chapel of the Theotokos of Kazan in Shlisselburg
1.1 km
NKVD 1st Division headquarters building (Imeni Morozova)
2.2 km
Presman House
896 m
Shlisselburg Boulevard
1.2 km
Gostiny Dvor, Schlüsselburg
988 m
Leontiev House, Schlüsselburg
980 m
Neva railway crossing memorial, Imeni Morozova
903 m
Potashev house (Shlisselburg)
856 m
Дом управляющего (Шлиссельбург)
1.9 km
Новое (Малоневское) русло канала (Шлиссельбург)
1.6 km
Gorbaty Bridge in Schlüsselburg
2 km
Shtelevsky House
913 m
St. Nicholas Church in Shlisselburg
1.2 km
Шлюз (Шлиссельбург)
1.1 km
Chain Bridge in Shlisselburg
1.2 km
Aznachevsky House
974 m
Petrovsky Bridge in Shlisselburg
1.1 km
Станция Императорского общества спасания на водах (Шлиссельбург)
559 m
Pontooners headquarter building (Imeni Morozova)
2.1 km
Mass grave of Soviet soldiers (Imeni Morozova)
1.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes