In 1384, the Yam fortress was founded on the Luga River - for a long time Kingisepp had exactly this name. Throughout the history of the city, it was renamed several more times. Kingisepp is the surname of the Baltic communist, after whom Yamburg was named at the beginning of the last century. During the First World War the city suffered significant destruction. Many landmarks in the old city were damaged or destroyed. Authorities and residents spent decades restoring their cultural heritage. Reconstructions were carried out based on the original designs, but taking into account the details inherent in modern architecture. New monuments appeared. At the moment, Kingisepp is an important cultural center of the Leningrad region. Almost every place here is permeated with the spirit of heroism and patriotism. The city is endowed with a special flavor of small peoples living on this territory in different historical periods. Those wishing to get acquainted with ancient sights and modern objects should visit Kingisepp.
Monument to Victor Kingisepp
A kind of unofficial symbol of the city. The monument is dedicated to Victor Kingissep, a famous Estonian revolutionary. Actively engaged in revolutionary activities, he supported and followed communist ideas.
Causing fears from the Estonian bourgeois government, he was captured and brought to trial. A short trial accused Kingisepp of treason and sentenced him to death. The Soviet authorities asked to hand over the body of the revolutionary for burial in Moscow, but the Estonian authorities refused, and the body of Victor Kingisepp, according to some sources, was thrown into the waters of Lake Ülemiste. The monument in the form of a bust installed on a tetrahedral pedestal in the late 60s of the 20th century is the work of the local sculptor V. Kiselyov.
Location: Karl Marx Street and Zheleznodorozhnaya Street (their intersection).
The importance of the city in the modern world
City with an area of 44 square meters. km, is the administrative center of the Kingisepp district and an important economic and cultural center of the Leningrad region. The distance to the borders of Estonia is 25 km, to St. Petersburg – 130 km. According to the Novgorod chronicles, the history of Kingisepp began in 1384.
The first mention is associated with the construction of the powerful Yam fortress at the intersection of the trade route between Novgorod and the Baltic states, which was renamed Yamburg in 1703. During the Civil War, the city was occupied by Red Army troops. In 1922, Yamburg was renamed Kingisepp in honor of Victor Kingisepp, an Estonian communist. During the Great Patriotic War, the city was captured by the Nazis.
For the courage and powerful resistance of local residents, Kingisepp was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree. Kingisepp is a member of the international organization Neue Hanse, created with the aim of developing trade and tourism in the former cities and trading partners of the medieval Hanse.
Catherine's Cathedral
One of the most beautiful, memorable and famous sights of the city is St. Catherine’s Cathedral. Majestic, beautiful and well-groomed, it is a kind of calling card. Due to its popularity, the cathedral can often be seen in the form of images on souvenirs, postcards and in the works of local artists.
Built back in the 18th century, the 45-meter building has been restored more than once, thanks to which today residents and guests of Kingisepp can admire this delightful structure. There is a Sunday school at the cathedral.
Location: Nikolaev Square - 6.
Interesting places to relax with children
In 2016 on the street. A monument to the heroes of I.A. Krylov’s fable was unveiled near the Oktyabrskaya building. "A Crow and a fox". A specially designated area around a tall tree is covered with rubberized flooring. Several benches are equipped. Nearby there is a stand with the text of the fable.
In the building of the Olympus Ice Arena:
- training sessions are held for hockey players and figure skaters;
- Individual training is organized (from 200 rub./1 hour);
- sports and cultural events take place;
- there is a designated area for skating (children's ticket - 200 rub./1 hour, adult ticket - 300 rub./1 hour);
- there is a gym equipped (children's ticket - 150 rubles, adult - 200 rubles).
Address: Kingisepp, 7th microdistrict. Opening hours: 10.00-22.00 daily.
Ski club "Start" in the park "Romanovka" on the street. Komsomolovka 10 not only provides year-round training, but also provides the opportunity to rent ski equipment. During the snow-free period, you can go roller skiing. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 15.00 to 20.00, Saturday - 12.00-17.00, Sunday closed.
In the village of Luzhitsy (50 km from the city) there is a private museum of Vodskaya culture. You can get to the place by regular buses 53/54 (Kingisepp-Ust-Luga-Koskolovo). In 2 huts, summer and winter, the life of the leaders was recreated. One of the exhibitions is dedicated to fishing. In a specially designated area, a library is organized and Votic language training is provided.
The tour is led by the museum curator and is popular with adults and children. There are no fixed working hours. To visit the house, you must contact the owner by phone. Every year in July, the Lusatian Fundraiser festival is organized in the courtyard of the estate.
Museum of History and Local Lore
The building that houses the current local history museum has been related to education almost from the very moment of its construction. At the beginning of the 20th century it was a commercial school, after the revolution it was a labor school, and a little later the premises were given over to a secondary school. This small two-story building will be interesting to visit to get acquainted with the history of the city and its inhabitants.
Location: Karl Marx Avenue - 1.
Lutheran Church
Apart from the roof with a high spire, there is nothing else externally that reminds us that this building could be a Lutheran church, it is so. Before the famous revolutionary events, there was a Lutheran church on this site. When the construction of a café-type building for family recreation began, during the process of this construction the bright idea came to restore the church. And so it happened.
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.
Yam Fortress
The fortress was built for defensive purposes. A stone wall with towers and a deep ditch held back enemy attacks.
To this day, the ruins of fortifications remain. The water ditches became city ponds.
This is a place where you can touch the distant past.
Yam Fortress
Source of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine
An amazing place with indescribable energy! Clean air, unity with nature, beautiful landscapes, small chapels and a local fluffy cat await everyone to visit.
You can simply draw water from the source, or take a dip in the plunge pool, wander around the well-groomed area and feel a surge of strength. There is also a unique chapel, inside of which there is a stone with traces of the Mother of God and the baby.
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.
Barracks of the 146th Tsaritsyn Infantry Regiment
Since its construction in the 18th century, the complex has changed its purpose several times. At different periods there was a hospital, shopping arcades, barracks, and a sports school here. The building is interesting not only for its history, but also has architectural value. And although today the entire complex, unfortunately, has not been preserved, the remaining part is an object of cultural value and a work of architectural art.
Location: Karl Marx Avenue - 3.
Leisure
Kingisepp is suitable for lovers of active recreation. After sightseeing, you can go to the Kopanskoye recreation center (90 km from the city). Buses 75/83, 85/83, 56/60 go to your destination from the city station. There are 6 cottages on the territory, accommodating from 4 to 8 people (from 5 thousand rubles/day). It is possible to order a bathhouse (3000 rubles/2 hours).
Guests can use the equipped sandy beach and take a boat ride on the lake (from 200 rubles/1 hour). The place is suitable for fishing, hunting under water and on the shore (for a fee). There is an outdoor play area for children.
The PAZh equestrian club in Romanovka Park offers not only horseback riding (from 150 rubles/1 hour), but also physical education and health services (hippotherapy - from 450 rubles/1 hour), horseback riding with a photo session (1500 rubles/ 40 min, client's camera). Classes are available for children and adults.
Monument to soldiers "Cranes"
The monument is simple, laconic and this is its “zest”. Installed in memory of fallen soldiers, particularly in Afghanistan. The idea of creation appeared quite a long time ago, but came to life only in the early 2000s.
The funds were allocated by the city administration and residents of Kingisepp. On solemn, memorable days, an eternal flame is lit nearby. Anyone can come, just stand for a few minutes, pay respects and honor the memory of the victims.
Location: Oktyabrsky Boulevard.
Summer Imperial Palace
You can't visit Beijing without seeing the Imperial Summer Palace. This is the famous summer residence of the rulers of the Qing Dynasty, located on the outskirts of Beijing. The Summer Palace reached its greatest prosperity in the second half of the 19th century, during the reign of Empress Cixi, who spent all the money intended for the development of the Chinese navy on the construction of luxurious palaces and pavilions (a little female whim). Most of the territory of the summer residence is occupied by the picturesque artificial lake Kunming. Along its banks stretches the Changlang Gallery, a long covered passage whose walls contain more than 8,000 paintings illustrating Chinese history, literature and mythology. On the western side of the gallery is one of Empress Qixi’s favorite vacation spots - the exquisite lake pavilion Marble Boat
You cannot ignore the majestic Hill of Longevity, on the top of which the Buddhist Temple of the Sea of Wisdom is erected. The unsurpassed architectural design of the Summer Imperial Palace, combined with the amazing beauty of nature, will not leave even the most discerning traveler indifferent.
Entertainment for young travelers
The capital of Siberia offers a lot of different entertainment for children of any age. The compulsory program for young tourists includes visiting the following places:
Novosibirsk Zoo
Established in 1933, the city zoo is now one of the largest in Russia, covering an area of more than 60 hectares. More than 10 thousand species of animals, birds, and reptiles live there in an environment as close as possible to the conditions of their natural habitat. Some of them can only be seen here. These are, first of all, the Caucasian leopard and the ligress Masha, who was born to a tiger and a lioness. In addition, children will be able to play and take pictures with about seven life-size sculptures of prehistoric lizards, and ride on many attractions.
Planetarium
You should definitely bring your child here! You will take an educational excursion through a stylized park with landscape design simulating the solar system. It starts from an equatorial sundial 3 m high, symbolizing our luminary, and passes through the sites of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars and Jupiter. Visitors will be invited to the Foucault Tower, where an exact model of the pendulum from the Parisian Pantheon is installed. An exciting laser space show awaits guests in the Star Hall. Interactive exhibitions at the Mars 2023 Science Museum will help you understand the essence of many physical phenomena.
Globus theatre"
The Theater of Young Spectators, created in Novosibirsk back in 1930, has always been popular among city residents for the brightness of its performances and the modernism of its directors, who staged performances not only based on the plays of classical Russian and Soviet writers, but also based on the works of foreign playwrights. It received its current name in 1984 after moving to a new building that admires the elegance of its architecture. It resembles a sailing ship charting a course against headwinds. There is a singing fountain with colorful lighting on the square in front of the theater. Performances are given on two stages. Globus actors and directors have been nominated more than once for prizes at Russian and international theater festivals.
Toy railway
A trip on a fairy-tale train from Zaeltsovsky Park to the city zoo will bring a lot of bright impressions to your child. The trip in a colorfully decorated trailer lasts an hour and a half. The 5.3 km long route runs through a picturesque forested area and includes stops at the Sibiryak, Mechta, Yunost and Skazka stations. The carriage drivers, conductors and even assistant drivers of the magical train are ordinary high school students who study in their free time at a special railway children's center.
Puppet Theatre
It arose from a studio organized at the Theater for Young Spectators in 1934 and since then has been delighting children and adults with colorful performances. In 1999, the troupe moved to a new building with a colorful, intricately decorated facade. The theater's repertoire consists of performances based on fairy tales from around the world and Russian folklore, and includes performances on anti-war and environmental themes. The artists' skill has repeatedly won prizes at reputable international theater festivals.
Architectural sights of Novosibirsk
Train Station
Address: st. Shamshurina, 43. Metro station - “Garin-Mikhailovsky Square”.
The main station of the city, considered the largest in the country during Soviet times, is the calling card of Novosibirsk. With a premises area of more than 29 thousand m², it can accommodate up to 4 thousand passengers at a time. For all its massiveness, the structure, erected in the period 1932-39, looks very elegant. The magnificent façade with a huge glazed arch and half-columns is both pompous and lightweight at the same time. According to the architect's plan, the building resembles in its shape an ancient steam locomotive. During the reconstruction, which was completed in 2005, the walls and floors of the station were decorated with marble and polished granite.
Mansion M.D. Zhernakova
Address: st. Communist, 5.
An elegant building in the merchant style, characteristic of Novonikolaevsk at the beginning of the century, was erected in 1912. Maria Dmitrievna was not only very successful in commerce, but also had excellent taste. The mansion, built on her orders, looks very elegant. The multi-stage cornice is decorated with patterned brickwork. It is crowned by two attics with graceful arches and turrets. Window openings with a rounded upper contour and original pilasters at the corners of the building complete the composition.
Mansion R.M. Kopylova
Address: st. Krasnoyarskaya, 112.
The perfectly preserved building, built in 1901 for the tradesman Kopylov, is considered a monument of both stone and wooden architecture. The first floor of the mansion is made of brick, and the second floor is made of logs covered with planks. The facade is decorated with an elegant pentagonal balcony, the roof of which, topped with a spire, is supported by graceful columns. Of great interest are the window frames and decorative elements of the building's cornice. Wood carving is particularly delicate. Overlaid and saw-cut patterns are not inferior to lace in their elegance.
House of P.M. Zeidan
Address: st. Communist, 45.
The two-story mansion, which the famous Novonikolaevsk merchant Zeidan built for himself in 1913, is interesting, first of all, for its architectural style. It mixes traditional provincial motifs with elements of the then popular Art Nouveau style. This is evidenced by the through arch in the building and the bay window above it, topped with a small turret with a quadrangular pointed roof, turning into the original spire. Two symmetrical balconies, accessed by high arched openings, are protected by graceful wrought iron parapets.
House with mezzanine
Address: st. Chaplygina, 36.
Another architectural monument of Novonikolaevsk from the beginning of the last century is the building in which the trading house of E.G. was located since 1904. Ikonnikova. The façade of the mansion is richly decorated with figured brickwork. The mezzanine is framed by two elegant turrets with helmet-shaped domes. From it you can get onto a small balcony with a forged patterned parapet. The facade is made even more elegant by multi-level cornices and miniature towers symmetrically located at the corners of the building on the front side.
Information Technology Center building
Address: Novosibirsk, Akademgorodok, st. Nikolaeva, 12.
This is one of the main urban architectural attractions of Novosibirsk. Two modern towers 14 floors high, made of glass and concrete, are a true decoration of the Akademgorodok Technopark. They are built at an angle and are connected by a glazed gallery on the upper level. The building's hall is decorated with fountains and has high-speed elevators. In one of the towers there is a restaurant “Gushi”, where you can not only have a delicious lunch, but also taste excellent branded beer. By the way, those interested can watch the process of making a foamy drink through a glass wall.
Eat, drink, have a snack
El Copitas
Address: Kolokolnaya, 2
Bar atmosphere. Photo: leyendamezcal
The bar industry is very well developed in St. Petersburg. Every visitor to the city dreams of visiting local drinking establishments.
One of the most famous bars in St. Petersburg is also secret. You can’t just get here, but if you have the opportunity, be sure to take it.
Here they pour real tequila and mezcal, make cocktails based on them and serve traditional Mexican food. El Copitas is very tasty, fun and atmospheric.
Bekitser
Address: Rubinshteina, 40, 11
Inside the bar. Photo: @lizzykuznits
If you always choose falafel between a burger and falafel, then Bekitser will win your heart once and for all. On the legendary bar street of St. Petersburg there is an authentic bar with Israeli street food. Locals adore this bar for several reasons: firstly, it’s incredibly tasty, secondly, it’s fun on Fridays and Saturdays, and thirdly, everyone loves low prices.
Cafe "Brother"
Address: Bolshaya Morskaya, 10
Inside the cafe. Photo: @cafe_brat
Do you like a calm atmosphere and delicious coffee? The small cafe "Brother", which is located near Palace Square, has all this in abundance. They serve delicious breakfasts, pasta and desserts for lunch, and a variety of coffee and healthy cocktails made from arugula and spinach.
If you want to take a comfortable place and enjoy aromatic coffee, we recommend booking your seat in advance.
Clock face
Address: Stachek, 72
Lecture in Dial. Photo: @tvoyziferblat
If you are away from the center, but also want to feel the cozy atmosphere of St. Petersburg, then we invite you to visit the free space “Tsiferblat”. Here they pay not for coffee, but for time. You can come here to work or attend one of the events, meet interesting people and get access to unlimited tea and coffee with cookies.
More coffee
Address: Alexandrovsky Park, 3G
On the summer veranda of a coffee shop. Photo: @olia__is
There is another interesting place in the Alexander Garden - a coffee shop in an ancient grotto. During the cold season, you can sit inside the grotto and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of childhood, looking at all sorts of old posters and other interesting design elements. And in the summer we invite you to take your coffee with you and sit on the cozy summer veranda near the grotto.
Well, if you want to get to know the local gastronomic diversity better, then go on a real gastronomic tour of the city.
As you can see, besides walking along Nevsky, there is something to do in St. Petersburg. We hope that you will find a place that you will happily tell all your friends and family about.
Independent route for 1 day
Narva, whose attractions are located mainly on the central streets, is ideal for tourists staying in the city for 1 day. The best place to start your sightseeing is from the Narva Fortress. Near it there are many historical and cultural sites. At the foot of the castle you can immediately visit the Narva bastions, which are open 24 hours a day.
On one of the bastions there is a park leading to the river promenade. Along it, tourists can go to the city embankment. From the embankment you can go to the center of Narva and get to the Old Town, where most of the historical attractions are located. Among them, you should definitely visit the art gallery and the Town Hall.
One block away you can visit the city's temples and churches, including the Resurrection Cathedral. It is advisable to complete the route with the Krenholm manufactory. To do this, just go down from the temple and go to the Krenholm area. This route will take a tourist at least 6 hours. It is worth considering that there may be difficulties with traffic.
