The city of Yamburg received a new name in honor of Victor Kingisepp, a professional revolutionary who lived a double life, violated the laws of Estonia and undermined the foundations of society, and when arrested, attacked a policeman. After the end of the trial, reading of the verdict and execution, the Estonian authorities sank Victor’s corpse in the Baltic Sea. Local historians and local historians have long been advocating for the return of the city’s historical name, but their opinion has not yet been listened to. Yamburg is a small town 120 km from St. Petersburg, whose residents work in the port of Ust-Luga and go shopping to Estonia, the border with which is only 25 km away. You can easily get around Yamburg on foot, walking through numerous squares, parks, alleys, where, due to the abundance of plantings, the air contains a considerable amount of phytoncides. The absence of large industry has a positive effect on the environmental situation in the area. There are many moose, wild boars, foxes and hares in the forests. Unfortunately, the ancient buildings of the pre-revolutionary period have hardly been preserved due to the devastating war, but some attractions remain that are worth visiting.
Catherine's Cathedral
The cathedral is the main Orthodox church of the city. During the years of Soviet power it was an ammunition depot. Since 1979, the building has housed a local history museum. In 1990, the temple was returned to the church. It was built in the 18th century according to the design of the architect Rinaldi.
Initially, a single-domed church was planned, but changes were made during construction
The interior resembles a palace hall. The icons were painted by G.I. Kozlov.
The height of the temple is 45 m. The temple has the shape of a cross, with towers located diagonally. On the western side there is a three-tiered bell tower .
Catherine's Cathedral
A little history
The fortress city of Yam, present-day Kingisepp, was founded in 1384 and, together with Ivangorod, Koporye and Korela, formed four long-suffering cities that, over the long centuries of history, constantly changed hands (including from Swedish to Russian). Over time, the defensive importance of Kingisepp faded away, and in the second half of the 18th century. the fortress was dismantled.
The name "Kingisepp", which today seems like a completely natural toponym, is actually the surname of an Estonian revolutionary figure. And until 1922 the city was called Yamburg.
Museum Kingisepp
Exhibits located in the city’s museums will tell visitors about the history of the peoples living here, important events, and introduce them to the multinational life of the population during different periods of Kingisepp’s existence. Those who come can get acquainted with the results of research activities carried out by historians and archaeologists.
Museum of History and Local Lore
- Address: Karl Marx, 1.
Visitors to this museum can get acquainted with exhibits found by archaeologists at the ruins of the Yam fortress and household items of local peoples. Most of the exhibitions are related to the medieval life of Kingisepp. The first local collections were created by local historians and historians about 45 years ago.
Of particular interest are the halls in which the life of the peoples of Kingisepp is clearly depicted using objects from different eras that have survived to this day. The most ancient exhibits have reached modern times from the time of mammoths.
The building of the museum complex was built at the beginning of the last century as a commercial school. Later there was a secondary school here. Today, the Art Nouveau building houses halls in which you can study the entire history of Kingisepp.
Izhora Folk Museum
- Address: Central, 80, Vistino.
In 1993, in the building of the former village school of Vistino (a settlement located an hour’s drive from Kingisepp), an ethnographic museum was opened, dedicated to the life and culture of the Izhoras, a small people who have lived for a long time in the north-west of Russia. At the moment, its numbers have been rapidly declining over the years. Data for 2002 indicate that 327 Izhors lived in Russia. By 2010, there were already 266 people left.
Museum of Vodka Culture in the village of Lusatia
- Address: Luzhitsy village.
Many tourists can drive past an inconspicuous Russian village 50 km from Kingisepp. In fact, the history of the residents of the village of Luzhitsa is a whole layer of events. Only here, in the Museum of Vodskaya Culture, exhibits are presented that highlight the life of the most ancient people who inhabited the Leningrad region - the Vozhans.
The building is a three-part hut with a summer and winter hut, connected by a long corridor. This housing structure is traditional for the leaders. The interior decoration is more reminiscent of a residential hut than a museum. However, around the guests there are many unusual objects that testify to the life and culture of the ancient people - from dishes to musical instruments.
Grove Five Hundred Memorial Park
A well-groomed and beautiful park is another one of the places revered and loved by the townspeople. In the park you can find a stone stele with the names of war heroes, monuments to Red Army soldiers, concentration camp prisoners and much more.
There is an unofficial version that the park owes its name to the events of the Civil War, when about five hundred Bolshevik supporters were shot.
Location: Zhukova street.
Architectural beauties and monuments in Kingisepp
As in any city, history is best told by architecture, the construction of which dates back to different eras, and monuments that testify to iconic historical events and personalities. It is impossible to get acquainted with Kingisepp without enjoying its original ancient architecture and original sculptures and fountains.
Barracks of the 146th Tsaritsyn Infantry Regiment
- Address: Karl Marx, 3.
The ancient history of this architectural monument is covered in mysteries. During the reign of Catherine, Yamburg became a district town, which implied the presence of its own Gostiny Dvor.
In the 80s In the 18th century, it was successfully erected and included 44 retail shops and a covered gallery along the perimeter of the facade. In historical references it was not possible to find the exact date of construction of the building and the author of the project. These facts remain a mystery to researchers to this day. But the further fate of Gostiny Dvor Yamburg is known for certain. Since the 1830s The city's military department decided to change the purpose of the building by converting it into military barracks. Now tourists can see the northern part of the attraction, including the Manege.
Fragments of reliefs from the facade of 1835-1838. have survived to this day. On the territory there is also a regimental church in the name of St. George the Victorious, which ceased its work back in 1918. The barracks were repeatedly subjected to repair work.
Ruins of the Yam fortress
- Address - highway 41K-005.
This attraction is the basis of the entire history of the existence of Kingisepp. It was with the construction of the Yam fortress that this area began to be inhabited by people and mentioned in historical documents.
The fortification served the defensive function of the borders of the Novgorod Republic. It was protected by a stone wall with towers and a deep ditch. Its walls have repeatedly withstood enemy attacks. More than one state dominated here until Peter I returned the territory to Russia.
The ramparts that remained on the banks of the Luga date back to the reign of Peter I. By that time, the ancient defensive bastions were already fairly worn out and could not fulfill their functions. The new buildings, built on the basis of the old ones, were so monumental that they can be seen on satellite maps. The ditches around the fortress, which were now filled with water, are city ponds.
During the Great Patriotic War, defensive structures also helped Russian troops prepare for the defense of Leningrad, holding off the advances of the enemy, Nazi Germany, for 45 days.
City Hall
- Address: Bolshaya Sovetskaya, 8.
The building was built in 1935 in the Romanesque style. That's why it got its name. Red brick was chosen for decoration. The Town Hall is distinguished by its simplicity and clarity of form, and is particularly laconic. However, it is significantly different from the modern architecture of the city, which is why it has earned the honorary title of one of the landmarks of Kingisepp.
After the completion of construction work, the building was used as a city hall for only a short time. Since the late 30s. The premises were used as a rehearsal base for the brass band of the Turkestan Rifle Regiment. During the war, the office of the fascist concentration camp was located within the walls of the Town Hall. Today, a memorial plaque hangs on the facade with information that it was from this place that prisoners were driven to forced labor.
Bronze Lion
- Address: Romanovka Park.
The hero of the Battle of Borodino, Karl Ivanovich Bistrom, was honored by the erection of a monument in his honor, which symbolized his bravery and bravery during the hostilities. “The Bronze Lion” is located in the Romanovka park, which was previously the family estate of the Bistrom family.
The work belongs to the sculptor P.K. Klodt. The pure bronze monument was created with funds donated by officers who were under the command of the general. The building of a disabled home for soldiers is still located nearby.
The monument was practically destroyed twice. The Bolsheviks first decided to melt bronze during the Civil War; later this idea arose among the Germans during the Second World War. At the moment, the statue of the Bronze Lion is a symbol of Kingisepp.
Monument to the heroes-partisans and underground fighters
- Address: Summer Garden Park.
The authors of the project are sculptors G.A. Chernienko, G.A. Ovsyannikov, as well as architect A.A. Draghi. The monument is located in the Summer Park on Nikolaev Square. A walk to this attraction can be combined with a visit to St. Catherine’s Cathedral, which is located within walking distance.
The location was not chosen by chance: under the monument there is a mass grave from the time of the Great Patriotic War. According to historians, about 78 soldiers are buried here. Two partisan detachments operating on the territory of Kingisepp made a huge contribution to the course of the war.
Thanks to them, more than 3,000 local residents were saved from hard labor. The official opening of the monument took place on Victory Day in 1958. The local population is proud of their heroes, so this monument occupies a special place in the list of city attractions.
Monument to soldiers "Cranes"
- Address: corner of Zhukov and Oktyabrskaya.
Citizens have been waiting for the opening of the monument to soldiers who died in Afghanistan, Chechnya and other hot spots for about 10 years. It finally took place in 2008. The memorial sign was erected on one of the central streets of the city - on Oktyabrsky Boulevard. The names of heroes who died during the hostilities are carved on the stone.
The project appeared back in 1998. Sculptor Alexey Pogrebnoy developed a model of the future monument, which was a high arch crowned with three cranes pointing to the sky. The foundation for the future composition was immediately laid on Oktyabrsky Boulevard. But implementation dragged on for many years.
Fountain "Broken Heart"
- Address – Oktyabrskaya, 1.
It would seem that a simple composition consisting of 2 stone blocks in the shape of halves of a heart really fascinates guests of the central alley of the city. Powerful jets of water shoot upward from the ground between them. With a fountain in the background, you can take original, beautiful photos in any weather. On hot days it is fresh and cool here.
Monument to Victor Kingisepp
- Address - corner of Zheleznodorozhnaya and K. Marks.
In a city named after a fighter for the freedom of the working people, they could not help but erect this monument. It is located near the military registration and enlistment office in a small park. On the tetrahedral pedestal there is a bust of Victor Kingisepp. The work belongs to the sculptor V. Kiselev.
The revolutionary advocated the establishment of Soviet power on the territory of Estonia. May 1922 became fatal for the activist. Estonian authorities sentenced him to death for high treason. Later L.D. Trotsky proposed to give back to the defender of the Soviet system by changing the name of Yamburg to Kingisepp.
Hotels
The number of hotels in Kingisepp is limited. Private guest houses and apartments are popular among tourists.
Hotel Luzhsky Bereg 2*
The hotel is located in the Romanovka park area. Distance from the center – 1.8 km. Free parking is available for guests. On the territory there is a terrace for relaxation and a restaurant.
All rooms have:
- private bathroom;
- TV;
- 1 or 2 separate beds;
- closet;
- free wifi.
Some rooms have a balcony and a refrigerator. Room rates for 2 adults per night from 2,600 rubles. (Is breakfast included).
Hotel St.Ar 2*
The hotel is located 1.3 km from the center at the address: Krikkovskoye sh. 20. Mini-hotel, has 10 rooms ranging from 18 sq. m. Each room is divided into an area for sleeping and relaxing with a seating area. The room has its own bathroom and TV.
Guests can use:
- electric kettle;
- ironing facilities;
- washing machine;
- hairdryer;
- refrigerator.
The cost of accommodation for 2 adults is from 2800 rubles/night (breakfast is included in the price).
City Apartments
This object is an apartment located in a residential building.
Apartment with an area of 36 sq. m include:
- fully equipped kitchen;
- bedroom;
- living room;
- bathroom;
- balcony;
- toiletries.
Address: st. Bolshaya Sovetskaya, 24. Distance from the city center 200 m. Cost of living from 2200 rubles / 2 adults.
