Savonlinna - Olavinlinna Castle / Olofsborg Castle

The principal sight of Savonlinna is Olavinlinna Castle (Swedish Olofsborg), which lies southeast of the old town on an islet in the Kyrönsalmi (reached by a bridge). The castle, founded in 1475 by Erik Axelsson Tott, governor of Viipuri (Viborg) Castle, was ceded to Russia in 1743, after the Northern War, and thereafter was several times enlarged and strengthened. It is entered through a vaulted gateway on the west side which leads into the small inner courtyard, the oldest part of the castle. The castle, which has been excellently restored, contains a number of handsome rooms which are used for receptions and conferences, among them the King's or Knights' Hall, the Congress Hall and the Great Hall. Three massive round towers have