kastelukannu

Kastelukannu is an Estonian term used to refer to artillery pieces permanently installed within a fortification or castle. The compound combines kastell (castle/fortification) and kannu (cannon) and is typically translated as “castle cannon” or “fortress gun.” In historical writing, kastelukannu denotes fixed guns that are part of a fortress's defensive architecture, as opposed to mobile field artillery.

Fixed emplacement: These guns were built into the fortress walls, towers, or bastions and fired through gun ports, embrasures, or loopholes. They served to defend approaches, gatehouses, and critical flank walls, and could deliver enfilading fire along curtain walls. The guns were usually loaded from the muzzle and relied on a protected gun position, such as a casemate or gun room, for the crew. Aiming was accomplished by adjusting the gun’s elevation and, to a lesser extent, its limited horizontal traverse provided by the mounting.

Design and period: Castle cannons varied from small to large calibers and reflected the fortification’s era and purpose. They were commonly used from the late medieval period into early modern times, with improvements in metallurgy and fortification design influencing their placement and effectiveness.

Legacy: Today, many kastelukannu remain as historical artifacts within preserved fortifications and museums. They illustrate how fortresses combined architecture and artillery to deter siege and project power.

See also: fortress, castle, artillery, casemate, bastion.