The Peter and Paul Fortress takes the central place in architectural composition of St. Petersburg, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral which is in her territory with a high belltower is one of the main signs of the city.   

   On May 16 (on May 27 on new style) 1703 Peter I has put on the Hare island the new fortress which had to protect the lands won from Swedes during Northern war. This date has become history as birthday of the city which was promptly developing under cover of unapproachable fortress.
   The plan of fortress was developed personally by the emperor. He has made her in the form of the wrong hexagon with the acting angular strengthenings bastions which are among themselves connected by walls curtains. Originally fortress was wooden, but in 1706 under the leadership of the architect Trezini replacement of old constructions by new - brick has begun.
   The ensemble of the Peter and Paul Fortress includes Commandant's and Engineering houses, Artillery цейхгауз, the Mint, the Main treasury, the Botny lodge, a guardroom and other historical constructions. Long-term construction is characteristic of the majority of structures of the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Several generations of architects worked on many buildings entering composition of the Peter and Paul Fortress.