Leningrad oblast announced this week some of the region’s plant for football fans visiting the 2018 World Cup events this summer. According to officials several touristic routes have been created to include seven medieval fortresses.
In the North Leningrad region, fans will be able to visit the Korela fortress on the Karelian isthmus, which was founded by the Novgorodians on an island in the river Vuoksi on the turn XIII–XIV centuries to protect Northwest borders. This route will also includes the Vyborg castle — the only fully preserve monument European medieval architecture in Russia. The head of the tourist information center Leningrad region, Olga Golubeva had this to say about preparations:
“Leningrad oblast is a territory where there is a large number of ancient fortresses that has survived to the present day. We offer the fans to read them. Leningrad region is ready to accept a large number of football fans from all over the world and leave bright impressions about Russia.”
Visitors will be able to continue to the North East for visiting fortress Oreshek, founded in the source of the Neva in 1323, the grandson of Alexander Nevsky, Yuri Danilovich, and the Staraya Ladoga fortress on the river Volkhov. This famous place’s history is connected with the ascension to the Russian throne of the legendary Scandinavian Prince Rurik. Additionally, the South — Western route will take touring football fans to visit Koporye fortress, founded in 1237, and the Ivangorod fortress of the XV century, located on the border with Estonia.
Ms. Golubev said that the routes constructed in three areas, which are concentrated on the medieval monuments of the North, North East and South West. They will be sent to coaches.
For the first time Russia will be the home of World Cup football for events held from 14 June to 15 July. Saint-Petersburg will host four matches of the group stage of the world championship, 1/8 final, semi-final and match for third place. In St. Petersburg and the surrounding area will host several training bases The 2018 world Cup.