Peter-Paul Fortress

fortress, Saint Petersburg, Russia

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July 1, 2026

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The Peter-Paul Fortress is the original structure of Saint Petersburg, Russia, founded on May 16, 1703, by Peter the Great. Located on Zayachy Island in the Neva River, it was built to defend the area after Russia gained control of the Neva River delta from Sweden. Initially constructed with earthen walls, it was soon reinforced with stone. The fortress's most prominent feature is the golden spire of the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, which serves as the burial place for most Russian rulers from Peter the Great onwards. Historically used as a political prison, the fortress is now a museum.12

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St. Petersburg
Foundation and early growth
…the foundation stones for the Peter-Paul Fortress on Zayachy Island. This date is taken as the founding date of St. Petersburg. In the spring of the following year, Peter established the fortress of Kronshlot (later Kronshtadt), on Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland, to protect the approaches to the…
Read More
…the foundation stones for the Peter-Paul Fortress on Zayachy Island. This date is taken as the founding date of St. Petersburg. In the spring of the following year, Peter established the fortress of Kronshlot (later Kronshtadt), on Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland, to protect the approaches to the…
Read More