I had to look this up because I didn't understand why a Swedish castle was in Russia. From Wikipedia:
"Vyborg Castle was one of the three major castles of Finland. It was built as the easternmost outpost of the medieval Kingdom of Sweden: it is located on the Karelian Isthmus, on a little islet in the innermost corner of the Gulf of Finland, in a tight strait which connects Suomenvedenpohja to Bay of Viipuri. It was originally constructed in the 1290s."
"In the 16th century, much was renovated and additions were made. In the 17th century, the castle was allowed to decay, as Russian danger was lessened and the border was further eastwards.
Viborg was taken by the Russians in 1710, but passed back to Finnish hands in 1812 when all of Old Finland was attached to the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland. The castle owes its present appearance to extensive restorations undertaken in the 1890s. The military of the Russian Empire used the castle until 1918 for housing administration.
Viipuri belonged to the independent Republic of Finland between 1917–40 and again 1941–44. As a result of border changes in World War II it was annexed by The Soviet Union in 1944."
That's a lot of history to digest, JamieT. I have a friend who likes to delve into the historical background of things. You and he are peas in a pod. Keep us on our toes!
aussiesapphire
Oct 4, 2016
How interesting JamieT, thank you for passing on that information. Hugs.
trynfindit
Oct 4, 2016
I had wondered about the Sweedish/Russian connection, too. Thanks for the info.
olamae61
Oct 4, 2016
Thanks, Jamie for the info! I love history and I always like to get information about some of the places the puzzles are from.
JAMP124
Feb 8, 2017
Jamie T. ---- Thank you. We're doing puzzles and learning as well.
my mystery for today
thank you for all that information
"Vyborg Castle was one of the three major castles of Finland. It was built as the easternmost outpost of the medieval Kingdom of Sweden: it is located on the Karelian Isthmus, on a little islet in the innermost corner of the Gulf of Finland, in a tight strait which connects Suomenvedenpohja to Bay of Viipuri. It was originally constructed in the 1290s."
"In the 16th century, much was renovated and additions were made. In the 17th century, the castle was allowed to decay, as Russian danger was lessened and the border was further eastwards.
Viborg was taken by the Russians in 1710, but passed back to Finnish hands in 1812 when all of Old Finland was attached to the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland. The castle owes its present appearance to extensive restorations undertaken in the 1890s. The military of the Russian Empire used the castle until 1918 for housing administration.
Viipuri belonged to the independent Republic of Finland between 1917–40 and again 1941–44. As a result of border changes in World War II it was annexed by The Soviet Union in 1944."