Vyborg's Architectural Contrasts

16 points4 km4 hours

Vyborg is an atmospheric town where eras and cultures blend together. At different times it was ruled by Sweden, Finland and Russia. It has a real medieval castle, and the streets of the old town breathe history. Vyborg is the place to go if you want an unforgettable weekend. This route was designed specially for the BelkaCar car-sharing service.

Route author

Susanin Team

Things to do

📜 Learn the city's history
🏛️🕰️ Compare the eras

Route points (16)

Old Town Hall Square in Vyborg

Point on route “Vyborg's Architectural Contrasts”

Point 8

Old Town Hall Square

⛲ Square • 🏟️ Architectural landmark • 📜 Historic site

Historical Background

The town's oldest square began to take shape in the 13th century. It was rebuilt many times over the years and has noticeably shrunk. Today it's a small, cozy space with a few Gothic buildings and a monument to Torgils Knutsson, the founder of Vyborg Castle. The architecture and cobblestones create the atmosphere of a European town. Around the square stand four landmark buildings: the guardhouse, the Wolff House, the Old Town Hall and the house of the merchant Weckroth, where Empress Catherine II stayed in 1772.

The Town Hall

The Old Town Hall is one of Vyborg's most beautiful and elegant buildings. Built in 1643, it was the largest building in town at the time. The red town hall originally had two floors, but in 1898 a third floor and an attic floor with turrets were added. Sadly, the town hall suffered badly in various wars: it was quite seriously damaged in early 1710, for example, and the worst destruction came during World War II. It was restored with a different roof shape. Today it no longer has any administrative function and is a residential building with many apartments. At the end of 1985 the Town Hall was added to the special list of buildings considered the town's cultural heritage.

Monument to Torgils Knutsson

Torgils Knutsson, the founder of Vyborg Castle, held the title of Marshal of Sweden. The monument was erected in 1908 and was the first of its kind in the town. It stood for 40 years before being taken down in 1948. The sculpture was badly damaged during its removal but wasn't melted down, which made it possible to restore it in 1993.

The Vyborg Guardhouse

One of the buildings next to the square used to be the town guardhouse* and now houses the Art-Gauz museum. It has a gingerbread shop, an exhibition of old bricks and a miniature model of medieval Vyborg. *Guardhouse (gauptvakhta): in Russia this word originally meant the main guard or guard post, where the guard was stationed. Later it came to mean special buildings for holding arrested servicemen of the country's armed forces.