Cultural
Forteresse de Suomenlinna
Finlande
Photo : Michal Pise, Michal.Pise (CC BY 2.0)
Built on a group of islands in the Gulf of Finland, this fortress was constructed in the 18th century as a defensive stronghold to protect the Helsinki region. The site encompasses a series of fortifications strategically positioned across multiple islands, featuring walls, bastions, and military structures characteristic of Enlightenment-era military architecture. Its cultural significance derives from its historical role as an important maritime defense system and its representation of the period when Finland was under Swedish rule. The fortress displays well-preserved examples of 18th-century military engineering and planning, with both above-ground fortifications and underground passages. Today, the site functions as a museum and cultural venue, while retaining its original architectural integrity and layout. Suomenlinna stands as a notable example of Nordic fortress construction and continues to serve as a cultural landmark for the Finnish heritage.
