Prison | Travels in Finland and abroad

July 1, 2011

Medieval castle of Olavinlinna / Castillo medieval de Olavinlinna / Château médiéval de Olavinlinna

Filed under: Best places to go,Castle-Olavinlinna,Towns-Savonlinna,Travel in Finland — Sartenada @ 06:12
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In English:

Olavinlinna is in English St. Olaf’s Castle and in Swedish it is Olofsborg, is a fortification. It was founded in 1475 by Danish born knight Erik Axelsson Tott. St. Olaf’s Castle is said that it is the oldest medieval stone castle here in the North. Its purpose was to protect Russian attacks from the East.

The castle is situated on an island in the middle of fast-flowing river. This did not finally help against the enemy which took it over in 1714. To me it was curious to hear from guide that did not have cannons. Solders were using bows and swords! The stairs of the castle were planned very narrow and steep. In those old days solders were right handed and that meant when attacking in stairs only left handed enemy could use sword with skill.

Originally Olavinlinna had four towers, but the fourth was damaged badly in 1714. Only three lowest were left, raised later and the fourth was dismounted. Water was on much more higher level and it can be seen in photo # 52. Photos 53 and 54 are presenting the ram of castle. It is said that once when the castle was attacked in the darkness of night, the ram came standing over wall and enemy was frightened it. Maybe they were superstitious and thought that they saw the devil, but who knows.

There is one interesting curiosity – world’s first water closet. Outside it can be seen in photos # 9 and # 10 Inside You can see it in photo #36. When a man went in the toilet, everything went straight into a river. At historic days the level of water was at more higher level. I have always been thinking what fishes thought about this.

By car from Helsinki it takes 3 hour and 30 minutes to the town of Savonlinna. It is open for public year round, but part (big courtyard) of it is closed during Savonlinna Opera Festivals which are held in July.
The castle is worth for visit, if I say it very simply. My series of photos are from 2006, 2007 and 2011, so You see that I love it. In 2011, I visited also in winter and then I took photos from big courtyard which closed during Opera Festivals. My photos are ending with winter photos and with three scale model to give better overview. I hope that my photos give to You good idea about Olavinlinna.

Resumen esn español:

El castillo de Olavinlinna se halla en un ciudadillo de Savonlinna y fue fundado en 1475. Es el mejor castillo preservado en Escandinavia entera. Durante verano allí hay Festival de Ópera de Savonlinna.
Résumé en francais:

Château-fort de Olavinlinna est situé dans une petite ville de Savonlinna et il a été fondé en 1475. Il est le mieux préservé château-fort dans toute la Scandinavie. Pendant l’été, il est le lieu de Festival d’opéra de Savonlinna.

Medieval castle of Olavinlinna / Castillo medieval de Olavinlinna / Château médiéval de Olavinlinna

Do not miss these posts / No te olvides de estos correos / Ne manquez pas de ces messages

Town of Savonlinna / Ciudad de Savonlinna / Ville de Savonlinna

Savonlinna cruising 1 / Savonlinna crucero 1 / Savonlinna croisière 1

Castle of Olavinlinna in winter / Castillo de Olavinlinna en invierno / Château de Olavinlinna en hiver

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January 1, 2010

Castle of Hämeenlinna / Castillo de Hämeenlinna / Château de Hämeenlinna

In English:

The history of castle of Hämeenlinna is part of Finland’s history having military importance. This castle ages from 1311. Castle of Hämeenlinna is situated in the town Hämeenlinna. It is in the centre of city with easy access. During past centuries it was on a small island on the coast of lake Vanajavesi and at that time there was no easy access for enemies.

Nowadays it is a museum and it served as prison until 1953. There are two other castles in Finland in Turku and in Savonlinna.

En español:

La historia del castillo de Hämeenlinna forma un parte de la historia de Finlandia al tener la importancia militar. La historia de este castillo empieza del año 1311. Castillo de Hämeenlinna se ubica en la ciudad Hämeenlinna. Está situado en el centro de la ciudad con el acceso fácil. Durante los siglos pasados estuvo en una pequeña isleta en la costa de lago de Vanajavesi y en aquella época no había acceso fácil para enemigos.

Actualmente es un museo y sirvió como cárcel hasta 1953 durante siglo 1900. Hay dos otros castillos en Finlandia uno en Turku y otro en Savonlinna.

En francais:

L’histoire du château de Hämeenlinna fait partie de l’histoire de la Finlande ayant une importance militaire. Ce château est d’année 1311. Château de Hämeenlinna est situé dans la ville qui a nom Hämeenlinna. C’est dans le centre de la ville avec un accès facile. Au cours de siècles passé, il était sur une petite île sur la côte du lac Vanajavesi et époque il n’y avait pas d’accès facile pour les ennemis.

Aujourd’hui c’est un musée et il servait de prison jusqu’en 1953. Il existe deux autres châteaux en Finlande à Turku et à Savonlinna.