Tour of the Imagination-Stirring Battery Sea Fortress (in Russian)

The Estonian Centre of Architecture’s tour programme lets you visit an architectural gem with a fascinating history before it closes for extensive construction work. We’ll open the heavy doors and intricate corridors of Kalarand Fort for an exclusive tour. The tours take visitors to places that have never been accessible before.

Kalarand Fort is known by various names and has served different purposes throughout its history. Under a city defence plan approved by Emperor Alexander I in 1820, construction of fortifications began during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I. Construction of Kalarand Fortress began in 1830. The completed fort was impressive: its seaward walls are about 2 metres thick, and the fortress had 72 large and 18 smaller casemates on its three seaward floors. The main part of the fortress is a pointed building with two wings on the landward side and a semicircular structure protecting the heart of the fortress on the seaward side.

By the mid-19th century, Kalarand Fort had lost its military significance, and the complex was converted into barracks that could periodically house several thousand soldiers. After the War of Independence, Tallinn faced a severe shortage of prison space. Since the Ministry of Justice considered the complex underused by the military, a prison was established on the site of the former fort and barracks. The Central Prison soon became popularly known as “Battery Prison”. The prison years are associated with some of the most vivid and curious stories, which the guides will share during the tour.

The Estonian Centre of Architecture’s tour programme gives us the chance to discover the Sea Fortress at this fascinating moment, while the complex is undergoing change, and to see what will soon no longer exist in its current form. Today, US Real Estate OÜ is developing the complex and grounds under the name “Battery Sea Fortress”. The aim is to transform the fortress grounds into a new seaside heart of Tallinn, a landmark and an important artery of the city, with commercial premises, apartments, shops, street food and entertainment venues.

The tour of Battery Sea Fortress lasts about 90 minutes. Tours are conducted in Estonian and Russian. Tours organised by the Estonian Centre of Architecture are led by some of Estonia’s finest professional guides, united by their interest in architecture and its history. The Centre also organises custom tours in six languages to a range of interesting places across Estonia. If you are interested, send an enquiry to info@archtours.ee.

Find the schedule of tours in Russian here. Find the schedule of tours in Estonian here. See also the Architecture Centre’s other tours and offerings. Follow our news and activities on Facebook.