Narva, Estonia’s easternmost town in the Ida-Virumaa province, boasts the best-preserved castle (Hermann Fortress) overlooking a large, winding river acting as a border between Estonia and Russia.
The nearby Narva-Jõesuu resort has many spas and a large sandy beach that draws in holidaymakers every summer.
Narva is a melting pot of Estonian and Russian cultures and a great place to stop and relax when traveling to and from St. Petersburg. The first spa in Narva-Jõesuu opened in the 19th century, beginning a fine and well-established tradition.
Once a prime example of Baroque architecture in Europe, the town was heavily damaged in World War II and almost entirely rebuilt.
Today the town presents examples of Soviet-era architecture with some exciting contemporary developments such as the University of Tartu Narva College on the town square, an ultra-modern building paying homage to the town’s historical prosperity.
Hermann Fortress, also known as Narva Castle, is a medieval stronghold in the city of Narva, northeastern Estonia. This historic fortress stands on the banks of the Narva River, directly opposite the Ivangorod Fortress in Russia, creating a unique architectural ensemble.
Historical Background
The origins of Hermann Fortress date back to around 1256 when it was established by the Kingdom of Denmark. Initially constructed as a wooden stronghold, it was later rebuilt with stone fortifications in the early 14th century. The fortress played a crucial role as a border defense against neighboring East Slavic states.
Architectural Evolution
Throughout its history, Hermann Fortress underwent several modifications. The Livonian Order, which acquired the castle in 1346, transformed it into a convent building. The fortress’s layout includes massive wings surrounding a central courtyard, with the prominent Hermann Tower at its northwestern corner. This tower was completed to counter the construction of the Ivangorod Fortress by Muscovite Russia in 1492.
Strategic Importance
The fortress has been a significant military and administrative center over the centuries. It served as a defensive stronghold during various conflicts, including battles with the Novgorod Republic and the Livonian War. The fortress’s strategic location made it a focal point in the power struggles between Denmark, the Livonian Order, Sweden, and Russia.
Modern Restoration and Museum
The fortress suffered extensive damage during World War II but was meticulously restored in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Hermann Fortress operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions, showcasing artifacts and stories from different periods of the fortress’s past.
A double-terraced waterfall is on the Narva River, just above the city. Kreenholm Island is between the two terraces. The famous Kreenholm Textile Factory emerged on the shore of the waterfall in the 19th century. It was the largest factory in the Russian Empire at that time.
In 1913 over 10,000 people worked there. A compact complex of industrial architecture developed around the factory. It included the factory, a hospital, workers’ barracks, directors’ houses, and Kreenholm Park.
The buildings were in the English style using red brick. The Kreenholm brand is known far beyond Estonia.
Built at the southern end of a garden in this charming town in 1875 on the initiative of Mayor A. Hahn, this staircase was longer than it is today. But construction of a new bridge saw the first section of the staircase disappear beneath the ground.
The staircase has since lost its purpose, as it leads down to the St. Petersburg highway – the border zone between Estonia and Russia.
Address: Jõe 1b
A true Russian restaurant! Ladies with many years of experience prepare the meals, based on old recipes. Adding to the feel of the restaurant is the Ala Rus-style interior design, assembled by the staff from pieces they brought in themselves. And of course, you will always receive a warm and heartfelt Slavic welcome.
Whatever your favorite Russian dish is – cabbage soup, borsch, Astrakhan chowder, dumplings, rassolnik, meat in aspic, blini, roasts, pastries, baked apples, cranberry cordial, mushrooms, and more – you are sure to find it on the menu. The restaurant is in the Fama Center.