Koporye

Koporye (Russian: Копорье) is a village (selo) in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, located about 100 kilometers (62 mi) west of St. Petersburg, near the Koporye River. It is best known for the Koporye Fortress, a medieval castle built by the Teutonic Knights in 1237 and subsequently controlled by the Novgorod Republic, Sweden, and finally Russia.

The fortress played a significant role in the historical conflicts between Russia and its neighbors, particularly Sweden and the Livonian Order. It changed hands several times throughout its history, serving as a strategic point for controlling the Ingria region.

Historically, Koporye was also the name of a rural administrative district (volost) and later a town. The surrounding area was inhabited by the Izhorians and Votes, Finnic peoples whose culture and language have been significantly influenced by the region's history.

Today, Koporye is primarily known as a historical site. The fortress, though partially ruined, remains a significant tourist attraction and a valuable example of medieval military architecture. Ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve the fortress and its surrounding historical landscape. The village itself retains a rural character, with limited modern development.