Description of the attraction
Lappeenranta in Finnish means “the coast of the Laplanders”. Founded in 1649 by the Swedish queen Christina to strengthen the eastern borders, the city was first named Wilmanstrand (“the coast of the wild man”). After the end of the Northern War (1701-1721), earthen fortifications were built here, a rampart was poured, and the southern gate was installed. Thus, the city with a population of only 300 people and a hundred soldiers acquires the important status of a frontier fortress (“linnoitus”).
War with Russia in 1741-43 led to the destruction of the fortress city and the destruction of its inhabitants, after which Wilmanstrand became a Russian provincial town. For some time Suvorov lived there, overseeing the construction of garrison buildings in the fortress. In 1803. Alexander I came to the city, and in 1885 and 1891. - Alexander III.
From 1819 to 1881 the fortress housed a prison for women convicted of infanticide. Here they had the opportunity to engage in weaving. Then the women's prison was transferred to another place, and until 1881. here were kept in custody men, and after the civil war - "red" Finns. In memory of those who were shot, a memorial sign was erected on the northern fortress walls.
In the 50s. In the 20th century, the abandoned prison was demolished as a result of the reconstruction of the city.
