A historic castle in Finland was sold for only 1 euro!

The administration of the Finnish city of Kotka purchased the historically significant ancient Kymenegorod Fortress from the state for just one euro. This was reported by Russia’s RBC publication. The fortress was under the management of the state property company Senaatti-kiinteistöt and now belongs to the city administration.

This historical monument was built in the 18th–19th centuries by the personal order of the great Russian commander Alexander Suvorov. The fortress was a strategic defensive structure built by the Russian Empire to protect Finnish territories and still holds historical and architectural value. The total area of the fortress is 50 hectares, and about 20 different buildings are located on its grounds. Among the largest are the Officers' House and the barracks building.

After its construction, the fortress was actively used by the military for about two centuries, but for the past 20 years, it has not been in use and was left abandoned. For this reason, the city government decided to restore this historical heritage and turn it into a tourist destination.

Now, Kotka’s administration has begun working on restoring the fortress, preserving its historical value, and transforming it into a cultural and tourism site. There are plans to build museums, cafes, restaurants, and concert venues for various cultural and entertainment events. The city hopes that this project will attract more tourists.

According to available data, the Senaatti-kiinteistöt company had been spending 200,000 euros annually to maintain the fortress and carry out minimal repairs. However, due to the poor condition of the buildings, a full-scale reconstruction became necessary. The local association "Friends of Kyminklinna Fortress" has been active in this effort and received an initial grant of 100,000 euros from the Finnish government. Of this, 20,000 euros are planned to be used for developing ecotourism.

The total project to fully restore the fortress and convert it into a tourist site is estimated at around 18 million euros. This funding will be used not only to renovate historical buildings but also to upgrade infrastructure and enhance the city's tourism appeal.

The location of the fortress is also a key factor in its tourist potential. It is situated between two of Finland’s most famous cities — Vyborg and Helsinki — approximately 100 kilometers from each. This convenient geographic location is expected to help the site gain popularity quickly.

The fortress is recognized as one of the historical symbols of the city of Kotka, which was founded in 1878. Today, the city administration views the project as not only a means to attract tourists but also a way to enrich Kotka’s cultural and historical identity.

The restoration of the Kymenegorod Fortress may also positively affect the city’s economy. New jobs will be created, and the local tourism business will develop. This site, capable of attracting thousands of tourists from around the world each year, will undoubtedly play a major role in promoting Finland’s historical heritage.

Thus, the fortress purchased for just one euro could soon become one of Kotka’s most attractive tourist destinations. The city administration has already developed clear plans and started the necessary work. Soon, visitors from around the world will be able to see this historic site fully restored.