Castle Ruins • Built in the 17th century • Blown up in 1716 • Location: Linnankatu 27, Kajaani,

Metsähallitus, area management • Parks & Wildlife , Ostrobothnia–Kainuu • [email protected] • nationalparks.fi/kajaani

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Kajaani Castle Ruins

Kajaani Castle was built in The sides of the castle were 39 m Kajaani Castle was returned order to safeguard the east- long, and the walls were 3.6 m to in the Treaty of ern border of the Kingdom thick and 9.6 m high. The castle Nystad in 1721. Once again, the of Sweden. The castle func- had two turrets, i.e. round towers castle gained a new master tioned as a garrison and as projecting from the wall. The when Finland became part an administrative centre, but tower on the upstream side was of in 1809. also as a prison. The castle secured with two square fortifi- was blown up in March 1716. cations. In its time, Kajaani Castle also served as a place of deporta- In the early 17th century, Sweden The peace between Sweden tion. The most famous prisoner In Kajaani Castle Ruins, the strengthened its presence in the and Russia was over in the early of the castle was Johannes following are eastern parts of its kingdom by 18th century. Russia occupied Messenius, a Swedish historian, building the and Kajaani southern Finland in 1714. The who was imprisoned here from allowed Castles. Of these, Kajaani Castle Russian troops burned the 1616 to 1635. Another famous • walking on the guided pathways was regarded as more important unmanned Oulu Castle in late prisoner was poet Lars Wival- • fishing in Linnanvirta: because the Swedish Empire winter 1715. At the time, Kajaani lius, who sat in prison from 1634 kalallakainuussa.fi/en/fishing-site/ wanted to expand towards the Castle was the only stronghold to 1641. linnanvirta-section-of-the-river- east and the Arctic Ocean. of Sweden in Finland. kajaaninjoki/ There has always been a road The construction of Kajaani In the beginning of 1716 the running via the castle island. forbidden Castle began in 1604. The first Russian troops attacted the The first wooden bridge across • climbing and walking along phase was completed in 1619. castle. The 50 defenders of the the castle ruins was built in 1845. the castle walls The second phase began when castle surrendered after a siege Motor traffic increased, and a • excavating and taking stones with Per Brahe was granted Kajaani that lasted for five weeks. The new bridge was needed. The you (Antiquities Act 295/1963) as his barony in 1650. Russians blew up the castle in concrete bridge across the ruins • littering and messing up March 1716. was completed in 1937. • damaging constructions • letting pets run free Please note • Castle ruins are open all year round. • There is no winter maintenance. Pathways may be slippery. • A notification must be submitted to Metsähallitus of any events organised at the site. • Research and other activities require permission. • Emergency number 112 – know where you are calling from!

METSÄHALLITUS 3/2021 PHOTOS: MAARIT VAAHTERANOKSA

Urban Parks & Benefits NATIONALPARKS.FI

CBC Yhteistyöhanke EXCURSIONMAP.FI Historical Site Kajaani Castle Ruins

Floor plan, 17th century Ground floor 1. Turret 7. Entrance 13. Chief Guard´s room 2. Old gunpowder store 8. Prisoner cell 14. Chamber 3. Old gunpowder store 9. Communal room 15. Cellar 4. Gunpowder store 10. Chapel 16. Lime strorage tower 5. Commendant´s room 11. Priest´s room 17. Turret 6. Kitchen 12. Entrance

Upper Floor 18. Room 21. Office 19. Drawbridge hoisting room 22. Square fortification above the castle gate 23. Grand hall 20. Opening for shooting through 24. Turret

Urban Parks & Benefits NATIONALPARKS.FI CBC Yhteistyöhanke EXCURSIONMAP.FI