Introduction

The Treaty of Åbo (Turku) defined the westernmost branch of the Kymijoki River as the eastern border of Finland. In 1746-47 the Swedish Diet decided to fortify Finland because the fortified towns of eastern Finland were now on the other side of the border. The main fortress, Viapori, was built off Helsinki. In order to defend the weak new border the land fortress of Degerby was built, coupled with the Svartholma sea fortress in the mouth of Loviisa Bay.

Nowadays the Svartholma fortress island is one of the main sights of Loviisa, with a water bus service in summer. There are guided tours of the island for both adults and children. Children can join the crew of the pirate Svarttis and search for treasure hidden in the fortress or solve a secret mission on their fortress adventure.

Construction of the Loviisa land fortress was not completed. Two bastions, Ungern and Rosen, were built as the eastern foreworks of the land fortress. Apart from Ungern and Rosen, the commandant's house (nowadays the Loviisa Town Museum), two military barracks and artefacts from the Harju hornwork have also been preserved from Loviisa's fortress period. Nowadays theatre performances and other events are held at Ungern in summer.

Location

The present-day centre of the town of Loviisa is constructed on the site of the unfinished Loviisa land fortress. Sights include the bastions Ungern and Rosen, which guard over the main coastal road from Turku to Vyborg. Loviisa is 87 km east of Helsinki on the E18 road. The town can also be reached from Helsinki by the King's Road (M170). The Svartholma sea fortress is on an island in the Gulf of Finland in the mouth of Loviisa Bay 10 kilometres from the town.

Brief history

1745 Town of Degerby founded.

1747 Sweden begins construction of the fortified town of Loviisa at Degerby under the command of Colonel, subsequently Field Marshal, Augustin Ehrensvärd. The idea is to build a garrison town on a square plan within the regular bastion fortress.

1748 Construction of the Svartholma sea fortress begins. It consists of four symmetrical bastions and 12 military buildings.

1775 Construction of the Loviisa fortress abandoned, work continues at Svartholma.

1808 Loviisa and Svartholma overrun by Russia.

1808-1847 Svartholma serves as a Russian prison.

1855 Anglo-French fleet blows up Svartholma. Town of Loviisa burns.

1930s Unfinished fortress of Loviisa partially renovated.

1960s Restoration of Svartholma begins.

1998 Restoration of Svartholma completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the sea fortress.