In Kronstadt, Peter I first implemented the idea of constructing a fort fortress consisting of a core and additional fortifications in front of it — forts. Russia fought for access to the sea, and to reliably block the way for Swedish ships to the lands of the Neva Bay and Petersburg, Peter decided to further strengthen the defense of the Kronstadt fortress. Thus, from 1704 until the beginning of the 20th century, a chain of fortresses — the Kronstadt forts — was built to protect Saint Petersburg from the sea, consisting of 21 fortifications, seventeen of which are located in the Gulf of Finland. The construction of the forts began on the southern side of Kotlin Island. Most of the forts were founded on artificially created islands. The first fort of Kronstadt was Kronshlot. This fortress was built in the shape of a decagon, with a width reaching 29 meters. In 1704-1705, Kronshlot played a leading role in repelling ships of the Swedish fleet. Today, Fort Kronshlot, along with Fort Peter I, are active facilities of the Saint Petersburg Naval Base, and access to their territory is strictly prohibited. Fort "Emperor Alexander I" is one of the most interesting forts of the Kronstadt fortress. Its appearance resembles the well-known French Fort Boyard, famous from television programs. In the southern Fort No. 3, also known as Milyutin, elevators for lifting shells have been preserved to this day. The history of Fort No. 4, better known as Zverev Fort, is shrouded in many legends and rumors. In summer, this densely overgrown island is hard to recognize as a military fortress, but upon closer inspection, many details of military actions preserved to this day can be seen. According to one version, in the 1970s, fuel and lubricants were disposed of in the casemates of this fort. This also explains why the fort is often called "Burnt," as it is impossible not to notice the distinctive smell in this place.

Jermaine