Suomenlinna is a sea fortress built on a group of islands at the entrance to the harbour of Helsinki. Construction began when Finland was part of the Swedish kingdom, as a defence against Russia and a base for the Swedish fleet, and the project was directed by the military engineer Augustin Ehrensvard. The fortress, then known as Sveaborg, surrendered to Russia during the Finnish War of 1808-1809. Russia then controlled it until Finland became independent in 1917, and it was renamed Suomenlinna, meaning Castle of Finland. Today it is a district of Helsinki with residents, museums and parks, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Before and after
- 30 March 1746Birth of Francisco Goya
- 27 April 1746Battle of Culloden
- 1747Construction of Sanssouci Palace
- from 1747 to 1826Durrani Empire
- 1748Construction of Suomenlinna
- from 1748 to 1767Indian campaign of Ahmad Shah Durrani
- 1748Excavations begin at Pompeii
- 30 August 1748Birth of Jacques-Louis David
- 18 October 1748Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
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The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 18th century.