Hundred years from laying the cornerstone of Peter the Great’s Sea Fortress!

Seaplane hangars at the Seaplane Harbour were initially built as part of the Peter the Great's Sea Fortress that was built exactly a century ago. Russian emperor Nicholas II came personally to Tallinn on 12th of July (according to the new calendar) in 1912 to lay the cornerstone of the naval fortress.

Historical footage reveals that the emperor was festively greeted: Tallinn was full of important authorities, clergymen, lieutenants and generals. There were Baltic fleet's cruisers and armour ships, smaller vessels and naval guard of honour saluting him.

The Baltic fleet's cruisers and armoured ships in Tallinn fire a salute upon of the cornerstone of Peter the Great Sea Fortress.

Photo: Private collection of Aleksej Gaiduk.

The fortress was considered so important that emperor Nicholas II personally laid the cornerstone. The emperor's words are reported by the Päevaleht daily of 15th of July:

„Be the bridgehead of our forces on the Baltic coast as skilfully constructed as we like, its strenght and invincibility will rest chiefly on the mental fortitude of the naval officers".

Peter the Great's Sea Fortess was built between 1912 and 1918.