Shlisselburg, Fortified city in Leningrad Oblast, Russia
Shlisselburg is a fortified settlement on an island connecting Lake Ladoga with the river, about 50 kilometers east of Saint Petersburg. The complex includes several red brick towers, thick walls along the water, and buildings inside the fortress that served different purposes.
A wooden stronghold was built here in 1323 to secure trade routes between the Russian interior and the Baltic Sea. In the 16th century the current stone walls were constructed, and later the site transformed into a prison for members of the imperial family and political opponents.
The name derives from the German word for key, reflecting its position at the entrance to the river. Today the site serves as a memorial to political prisoners, with visitors walking through preserved cells and viewing graffiti left by former inmates.
Ferries operate from May to October departing from the mainland and bringing visitors to the island in about 15 minutes. Most paths run over cobblestones and uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are advisable.
During the Leningrad blockade, Soviet troops held the island for 500 days even though German artillery damaged almost every building. Some of the destruction remains visible, with abandoned ruins standing beside restored sections.
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