Lappeenranta is historically known as a cavalry town. In 1809 Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire, and was previously a part of Sweden. In 1878, the country created its own army, called the - "Old Army". The Finnish Dragoon Regiment settled in Lappeenranta in 1889, where barracks were built for it. In 1947, the history of the cavalry in Finland ended, but the tradition and legacy are still preserved thanks to the participation of various foundations and associations.
The Lappeenranta Cavalry Museum is located in the oldest building in the city, Linnoitus Fortress, in a former guardhouse, built in 1722. The local authorities and foundations have endeavoured to In 1973, an exhibition collection on the Thirty Years' War of 1618-1648 was created.
It contains expensive old paintings and engravings depicting the exciting historical battles of those years. Visitors will also see a rare flintlock gun of the 18th century, the uniform of soldiers of that time, old black and white photographs, from which you can trace fragments from the life of the aristocracy, as well as learn about the history of the creation of the army.
The Cavalry Museum is open to the public on a scheduled basis in the summer and Autumn, winter and summer by prior arrangement.
