South-Eastern Finland fortification system

The purpose of the fortification system was to protect the capital of the Russian Empire, Saint Petersburg, from a possible Swedish attack.

The Russo-Swedish War of 1788–1790 started by the new King Gustav III of Sweden ended in the Treaty of Värälä with neither side gaining territory.

The empress of Russia, Catherine II, gave the responsibility of strengthening the defences by creating a strong fortification system to General Alexander Suvorov in 1791.

The canals of Kutvele, Käyhkää, Kukonharju and Telataipale located in Taipalsaari, Ruokolahti, Puumala and Sulkava respectively were built alongside the fortresses.

The local Finnish population did not have to partake on the actual construction work, but had to provide shelter, food and transport for the large army.

The enormous amount work done to fortify Old Finland was wasted, as the border between Sweden and Russia moved westward as a result of the Finnish War between 1808 and 1809.

The fortification system was not tested in this war, as the Swedish troops retreated from border well before Russians attacked.

Fortresses inside the borders of modern Finland are maintained by the Finnish National Board of Antiquities, which has been restoring them especially during the 1990s.