Zonenborg (Soneburg Castle)

58° 33′ 51″ N, 23° 02′ 49″ E

Soneburg Castle (modern Maasilinna castle) was founded in 1345 by the Livonian Master Burchard von Dreileben for the enhancement of the Order's positions on Ösel island after the Estonian uprising. In 1559 it passed to Denmark, and in 1568 and 1575 it was conquered by the Swedes who intended to turn it into their base on Ösel. In 1576 the Danes exploded the castle in order to neutralize the danger associated with the Swedish base. Soneburg has never been restored, so its ruins are an artefact of the events of 1576.

Photos

Zonenburg 1 site

Zonenburg 2 site

Zonenburg 3 site

Zonenburg 4 site

Zonenburg 5 site

Zonenburg 6 site

Zonenburg 7 site

Zonenburg 8 site

Tags: castles and fortresses, 16 century