Vasknarva Castle Ruins, Ida-Virumaa, Estonia

The first Vasknarva order castle (Neuschloss) was founded in 1349 on the northeastern border of Old Livonia. 1427–1442 a new castle (Vastne-Narva) was built, which became the centre of the vogtei of the Livonian Order. The castle was wracked in the Livonian War. Until the Great Northern War it was a fort of great importance, commanding the mouth of the Narva River. It has been known in Russian chronicles either as Syrensk or Syrenets. According the folklore St. Olga of Pskov narrowly escaped drowning when crossing the Narva rapids at Syrenets. Nowadays only parts of 3 meters thin walls have survived, mainly on the northern side.

Reference: Wikipedia

User Reviews

Jaak Kõusaar (2 years ago)
Nice view to Estonian-Russian border

Jaan Granaat (2 years ago)
Üks säilinud müürijupp Narva jõe kaldal.

Kris M (2 years ago)
Väga palju säilinud ei ole aga vaadata tasub ikka. Teisel pool jõge hiidsuur Vene föderatsiooni lipp.

Oskari Wäänänen (2 years ago)
Part of a ruined castle or some such. The whole thing is literally on someones backyard and there is no info at the spot about the ruins.

Markus Keerman (3 years ago)
A medieval very small castle built to the eastmost boundary of the western world. Destroyed twice by russian hordes.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright StarlightHope

Historic Site of the week

Ängsö Castle

Ängsö Castle was first named as "Engsev" in a royal charter by king Canute I of Sweden (r. 1167-1196), in which he stated that he had inherited the property after his father Eric IX of Sweden. Until 1272, it was owned by the Riseberga Abbey, and then taken over by Gregers Birgersson.

From 1475 until 1710, it was owned by the Sparre family. The current castle was built as a fortress by riksråd Bengt Fadersson Sparre in the 1480s. In 1522, Ängsö Castle was taken after a siege by king Gustav Vasa, since its owner, Fadersson's son Knut Bengtsson, sided with Christian II of Denmark. However, in 1538 it was given by the king to Bengtsson's daughter Hillevi Knutsdotter, who was married to Arvid Trolle.

In 1710, the castle was taken over by Carl Piper and Christina Piper. Ängsö Castle was owned by the Piper family from 1710 until 1971, and is now owned by the Westmanna foundation. The castle building itself was made into a museum in 1959 and was made a listed building in 1965. It is currently opened to visitors during the summers.

The castle is a cubical building in four stores made by stone and bricks. The lower parts is preserved from the middle ages. It was redecorated and expanded in the 1630s. The 4th storey as well as the roof is from the expansion of Carl Hårleman from 1740-41. It gained its current appearance in the 1740s.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Looks like you are a history fan!

Do you know an ancient castle or hidden ruins near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory. It's absolutely free, easy, and you can do it even without registration (of course you an also create an free account)!

Vasknarva Castle Ruins

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Must-See Historic Places in Córdoba

Best of Middle Rhine Valley, Germany

Must-see historic sighs in Luxembourg

Historic Site of the week

Ängsö Castle

Looks like you are a history fan!

Do you know an ancient castle or hidden ruins near you?