Velikolouk fortress

The history of the fortress in the Great Lukes begins with the XII century. At least there is data from the chronicles. Several times the building burned, it was destroyed by the Varangians and robbed. In 1580 it was rebuilt by King Stephen Botorius. The fortress was a huge stone fence around the settlement with towers and lowering gates. There was a high moat around. Then the fortress had the status of a city. The total length of the building was a little more than a kilometer.

During the time of Peter I, the fortress was partially destroyed. The king issued a decree to rebuild it into a bastion. The author of the project was mathematician L.F. Magnitsky. During the Patriotic War, the fortress was the starting point of Russian troops.

During the Second World War, the fortress was at the center of the battle against the Nazis. During the Velikoluk operation, Russian troops defeated the Germans.

Until now, the fortress has survived partially. Many elements have been destroyed, but restoration work is underway.