Peter and Paul's Fortress
The fortress was established by Peter the Great on May 27 1703 (this date is St. Petersburg's City Day) on small Hare Island by the north bank of the Neva River.
Built at the height of the Northern War in order to protect the projected capital, the fort never fulfilled its martial purpose.
From 1721 the fortress housed part of the city's garrison and also famously served as a high security political jail - among the first inmates was Peter's own rebellious son Alexei.
The citadel was completed with six bastions in earth and timber within a year, and it was rebuilt in stone from 1706 to 1740.
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