Estonia; Ida-Viru County; city of Narva: Narva Bridge and Russian border station on eastern bank of Narva river; seen from castle tower Hermann (built around 1492) of Narva Castle (also: Hermann Castle; German: Hermannsfeste; Estonian: Hermanni linnus); A first castle was founded here; on the Western bank of river Narva; in 1256; by the Danes. A first stone castle was built in early 14th century. Knights of the German Livonian order bought the castle from Denmark; on 29th of August; 1346; and entered it in 1347. It became the easternmost stronghold of the state of the German Teutonic Order; until 1558; when Sweden took over. Todays Hermann tower was built 1492; when on the direct opposite site; on the Eastern bank of River Narva; Ivan III; also called Ivan the Great; Grand Prince of Moscow (1440 - 1505; ruled since 1462); built Ivangorod castle (fortress). Before and after; several raids took place; on both; German and Russian sites. The Teutonic Order fortified the castle and Narva with walls; which protected the city; until 1777. In 1558; Sweden took over control of Narva Castle. In 1700; first attempt of czar Peter I (Peter the Great) failed to conquer city and castle of Narva. But he came back; in 1704; and conquered all. In 1919; Estonia took over; until Soviet Union took Narva and the castle; in October; 1939. From 1941 to 1944; German troops occupied the castle and the city. From February; 1944; to July; 1944; the fierce Battle of Narva Bridgehead happened; nicknamed also "Battle of the European SS"; taking the life of approximately 12;000 on German and 65;000 on Russian site and wounding 46;000 on German and 235;000 on Russian site. Narva Castle and 98 per cent of city of Narva were heavily destroyed. This battle was followed by the nearby Battle of Tannenberg Line; in July and August; 1944; which caused another 2;500 Germans killed and 7;500 wounded and 35;000 killed and 135;000 wounded; in the Soviet army. Today; restored Narva Castle houses the Narva ci