Lappeenranta is situated on a headland jutting into Lake Saimaa in South Karelia on the site of the Lappee market place, which dates back to the 17th century. The fortified town of Lappeenranta was constructed alongside the road to Savo and Olavinlinna, which branches off the old "Vyborg high road" running along the Salpausselkä ridge.

1649 Sweden founds the town of Lappeenranta.

1668 Town charter revoked.

1721 Fortified town of Lappeenranta founded by Sweden. The fortress comprises an irregular bastion front designed by General Axel Löwen, within which a garrison town on a square plan is built along the lines of the model Renaissance ideal cities of the Mediterranean. Lappeenranta might be modelled on Valetta, the capital of Malta.

1743 Following the Treaty of Turku Lappeenranta becomes part of Russia.

1791-92 Under General Alexander Suvorov the fortress is extended to form part of the new defence system for St. Petersburg.

1810 The fortress of Lappeenranta is disbanded. The fortress area continues to be used by the garrison and new barracks are constructed. Some of the buildings are converted into a prison.

1976 Renovation work starts.

1990s The fortress becomes part of the city of Lappeenranta.

The renovation work has been a joint project involving the National Board of Antiquities, the Ministry of Labour and the city, and is nearing completion. Most of the historical stock of buildings has been renovated. The fortress has become a living and cultural part of the city. The former garrison buildings are now home to the South Karelian Museum and Art Museum, artists' and craft workshops, Lappeenranta's Orthodox church and parish hall, a children's art school and a café, among others. There is a road connection from Lappeenranta to Russia via Nuijamaa. The St. Petersburg-Helsinki train stops in Lappeenranta at Vainikkala station. In summer, there is a boat service from the fortress along the Saimaa Canal to Vyborg.