Back in November, I decided to visit an interesting abandoned site. Peter the great sea fortress, one of the fortresses. If I'm correct then there are three of these in the gulf of Finland region. One is this one, in northern Estonia, Suurupi. The other one is on the Estonian island Naissaar and the third one is in Finland.
These concrete forts were built by Russians and the idea was that its a line of defense buildings that block access to Saint Peterburg city via the sea. If an enemy vessel came, it got caught in the crossfire. The planning of the sites began in 1907 and they finally started building in 1912. The plan never fully materialized and they didn't manage to finish building these sites because Finland and Estonia declared independence in 1918. Estonia and Finland even used these sites against Russians themselves.
Arriving at the site by the road, the first thing you see is what looks like a security building. There is an asphalt path that is still intact but mostly buried under leaves and has grass growing on it partially.
A high tower sits at the side of the forest which looks to be an old radio tower.
Right now the place is quite bushy and forested. It didn't use to be like this. In 1918 this was a field area and the sea fortress had a clear view of the sea.
In the photo below is a platform on which a piece of artillery used to sit. It looks like the plate was able to rotate 360 degrees.
The place looks like a pile of rubble and it's pretty clear that it's bombed. In 1918 when Russians retreated, they tried to blow the place up.
The main building however is fine. A building made of thick walls of concrete.
It's quite easy to climb it and check out the roof of the building.
In the 1950s when major nations abandoned artillery-based naval fortresses, this one continued to serve as a warehouse. I don't know for how long but today it stands empty and abandoned, open for the public to see.
It's also possible to go inside the building and see what there is to see. Not much actually, besides narrow corridors and some rooms. As I said it was empty.
Mostly it was totally dark inside so a flashlight is necessary.
By looking at the walls it seems like the place is sometimes submerged. The water level lines are pretty clear on the walls. At least the water wasn't that high when I was there so I was able to go deeper into the building.
Well, not too far. Once in the middle of the building, I saw water on the floor. Not too deep but enough for me to not go any further with my sneakers.
I was able to see a narrow pathway that lead up to the tower. I decided not to climb it, this is not the newest of ladders and I would prefer not to leave with broken bones. It probably would have been fine, the ladder looks stable enough but why risk it? Just took this shot.
Inside the building, I was able to see stalactites in the ceiling. Mineral deposits that form over many years when water is dripping from the same place.
Overall, it was a cool place to discover and know the history involved this site. I think I have been there before, a long long time ago and I don't remember it exactly. I don't know tho, maybe I haven't but the place is quite close to the area I have been living in my whole life so it would make sense that I have been there with my parents when I was a child maybe.
Anyway, this was the first time I took photos of the place.
I have some more urban content to show you of the surrounding areas. There was more stuff to find in the nearby area. Will make a post about it soon too.