Ragnit Castle

Neman, Russia, Russia

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Ragnit Castle in Neman, Russia, along the Neman River, originated as a wooden Teutonic fortress in 1289 replacing a Prussian stronghold, rebuilt in brick and stone between 1397 and 1409 under Master Konrad Fellenstein as a Gothic-style defensive outpost against Lithuania, featuring a square inner ward, moat, granite entrance with iron grate, and 25-meter central watchtower. It endured sieges, Swedish occupation in 1678, Napoleonic use, and fires including 1829, later repurposed as a court and prison from the 19th century until WWII devastation left ruins. Designated a cultural heritage site in 2007 and transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church in 2010, the remnants now offer guided tours highlighting medieval Baltic fortifications.