Kingisepp. Sights, photos and descriptions of what to see in one day

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.

Climate

The city is located in the southwestern part of the Leningrad region, directly on the Luga River. It is relatively close to St. Petersburg - about 130 kilometers. Therefore, a considerable part of the residents of Kingisepp manage to find work in the Northern capital and cover this two-way distance every day.

The climate is quite moderate, the average annual temperature is about 5.5 degrees. The wind speed is low - on average about 2-2.5 meters per second. The absolute maximum is observed in August, when the air warms up to plus 35 degrees, and the absolute minimum temperature is recorded in January and December, when it reaches minus 40. At the same time, the average temperature in summer is 16-18 degrees, and in winter - minus 5-6.

Ecology

60% of the Kingisepp district is occupied by forests, 12% by swamps. The ecological situation in this area is favorable. The content of harmful substances in the soil and air does not exceed the norm.

The EuroChem enterprise, which produces agricultural fertilizers, is located in the Kingisepp district. When taking water samples in the immediate vicinity of the plant, elevated levels of phosphorus and copper were detected.

Izhora Folk Museum

The sights of the Kingisepp district will attract connoisseurs of ethnicity. In the village of Vistino, located near the city, there is an ethnography museum. Museum exhibits reflect the living conditions and cultural characteristics of the Izhorians. This is an indigenous small nation that inhabits the northwestern part of the Russian Federation. The museum was opened in 1993, in the building of a rural school. Among the museum exhibits there are Izhora robes, household items, and fishing supplies. Pottery master classes are regularly organized. The number of Izhors in the Russian Federation in 2002 was 327 people. In 2010, it decreased to 266 people.

Flora and fauna

In the Kingisepp district there are 3 reserves: Kurgalsky (60 hectares), Kotelsky (more than 10 thousand hectares) and “Oak forests near the village of Velkota” (375 hectares). At the end of 2022, the “East of the Gulf of Finland” nature reserve was opened, covering the island part and the marine area of ​​the Vyborg and Kingisepp districts.

Rare birds live on the territory of the reserves:

• scoter;
• common eider;
• cormorant;
• golden eagle;
• black-throated loon;
• White-tailed eagle.

Among the animals there are:

• gray seals;
• ringed seals;
• ferrets;
• foxes;
• wild boars;
• the Bears;
• garden dormouse (rodents).

A large area is occupied by broad-leaved forests.

The most common trees are:

• black alder;
• oak;
• maple;
• rough elm;
• cordifolia linden;
• ash;
• hazel.

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Bronze lion

A bronze lion, a symbol of brave and noble character, was created in honor of the hero of the Battle of Borodino - Karl Bistrom. The landmark of Kingisepp, established by Klodt, is located in Romanovka, Bistrom’s family estate. The lion was erected with the money of employees of the guards corps, headed by Bistrom. A building for disabled soldiers was built near the lion. There is a park on the estate and cultural events are organized. There is also an equestrian club, and in the winter season a ski center opens. 2 times they wanted to send the lion to be melted down. Today the sculpture is a symbol of the city.

How to get there

Transport links with neighboring cities are quite developed. The Moscow-St. Petersburg-Estonia railway and the St. Petersburg-Tallinn highway pass through Kingisepp.

By plane

The nearest city where the airport is located is St. Petersburg (130 km from Kingisepp). The cost of a plane ticket Moscow-St. Petersburg-Moscow is from 4,400 rubles/1 adult economy.

From Bus Station No. 2 of St. Petersburg to Kingisepp there are buses 841 (the final one is the old Kingisepp station) and 851 (to the city of Slantsy with a stop in Kingisepp). The fare starts from 300 rubles/1 person. Travel time is from 2 to 3 hours.

By train

The Moscow-Tallinn Baltic Express train stops in St. Petersburg and Kingisepp.

Travel time Moscow-Kingisepp - 10 hours 47 minutes, tickets cost from 1182 rubles; St. Petersburg-Kingisepp – 2 hours 37 minutes, from 552 rubles. Electric train 6661 departs from the Baltic Station in St. Petersburg at 18.05 (time may change), heading to Ivangorod via Kingisepp. Ticket prices start from 335 rubles.

By car

By car you can get to Kingisepp along the federal highway A-180 (Narva).

Temples and shrines of Kingisepp

The spiritual life of the city amazes with its wide variety. There are Orthodox shrines and Protestant churches with unusual architecture. Tourists should definitely see the main cathedrals and temples of Kingisepp.

Cathedral of the Great Martyr Catherine

• Address – Nikolaeva, 6.

Erected in the 17th century. The project belongs to the Italian architect Antonio Rinaldi. It was named in honor of the Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria. The architect used elements of two styles for the building - late Baroque and classicism.

From above, the five-domed cathedral looks like a cross with rounded ends and an attached chapel. Each round tower is crowned with a blue dome. The combination of white and blue colors looks harmonious against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and gentle clouds.

The cathedral ceased to function in the 30s. XX century. Since 1979, the local history museum has held the exhibition “Old Yamburg” here. In 2000, the temple was reopened and again became the main shrine of Kingisepp. The re-baptism ceremony was performed by Patriarch Alexei II.

There is a small park around the Orthodox landmark of Kingisepp, which anyone can get into. In the courtyard there are crosses and tombstones from an ancient cemetery.

Church of the Evangelical Lutheran parish "Yamburgsky"

• Address: Vorovskogo, 19b.

The church of the Evangelical Lutheran parish “Yamburg” is a relatively new building. In the middle of the sleeping Kingisepp there is a building with a spire-shaped roof with a cross on top. Its construction ended in 1996. The location was not chosen by chance. Until the 30s. In the 20th century, the church of St. Lazarus was located here, which was later transferred to the school.

Initially, the city authorities allowed the construction of a family cafe on this territory. During the construction process, based on historical facts, the plan was changed. That is why only the roof of the church indicates that it belongs to the shrines, since the main part was erected as an ordinary modern building.

Holy spring and stone with the footprint of the Mother of God

• Address: Pillovo village.

According to legend, this source appeared to two children in Pillovo by the grace of the Most Holy Theotokos, so that their mother would be cured of a serious illness. The event dates back to approximately the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries. Local residents confirm the healing properties of the water in this place. Those who plunge into a pool of ice water do not even feel its coldness - only a strong charge of energy. Sincere prayer and holy water from a source can help every sick and suffering person.

On the way to this place, the traveler will encounter a small chapel. A spring with crystal clear water also comes out from under a stone here, however, to get to the end point, you need to move a little further away from the route. Healing water flows from a well between the stones under the larger chapel named after the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Here tourists can see a small stone with three small footprints of a human foot on it. Tradition says that the Mother of God herself left them. Next to the chapel there is a font into which healing water is discharged. Its average temperature in the warm season is from +4 to +6 degrees, in winter - from +2 to +3. Not far from this source there are parking spaces for cars.

Main attractions

Kingisepp, whose attractions are not numerous, attracts with its cozy, well-groomed streets and squares. The tourist flow in the city is small. Visiting most places is free or available at a fairly low cost.

Religious buildings

One of the notable buildings of the city is St. Catherine's Cathedral. The order for construction was given in the 18th century by Empress Catherine II. The project was developed by Antonio Rinaldi. The five-domed temple with a multi-tiered bell tower and decorative elements in the design of the room create the impression of a palace hall. The cathedral is active. Located on the street. Voskova, 27B/6.

Construction of a building on the street. Bolshaya Sovetskaya 8 began in 1910. The construction was intended for the city government. The building is designed in the Romanesque style characteristic of Western Europe. For this reason, the building is called the “town hall”.

During the years of the city's occupation by the Germans, a concentration camp was located within the walls. The town hall suffered significant destruction during the liberation of Kingisepp by Soviet troops. Currently the town hall is used as an office building.

On the right bank of the Luga River, fragments of the Yam fortress from Peter the Great's time have been preserved. Under Catherine II, the walls of the bastion were dismantled according to the decree of the empress. Of the surviving fragments, there were embankments with a length of 600 m and the ruins of towers.

Museums

Kingisepp Museum of History and Local Lore is located on Karl Marx Avenue 1. The exhibition is open from 10.00 to 17.00. Closed: last Monday and Thursday of every month. Ticket price: 100 rub. – all expositions, 50 rubles. – 1 hall.

The museum building, built in 1910, is an object of cultural and historical heritage. Initially, the building served as premises for the Yamburg Commercial School. The main focus of the exhibitions is to demonstrate the characteristics of indigenous peoples, in particular the Vod and Izhora peoples.

The collection includes:

• Houseware;
• decorations;
• weapons from the Middle Ages;
• Russian and Swedish coins of the 16th-20th centuries;
• ceramic and glassware of the 19th-20th centuries.

Additionally, temporary thematic exhibitions are held. Izhora Ethnographic Museum is located at: Kingisepp district, Ruchi village, st. Central, no. 80. Open from Thursday to Sunday from 12.00 to 16.00. You can get to the place by buses 75, 83 or by car along the A-121 highway. The museum was created with the aim of introducing contemporaries to the culture of endangered peoples.

2 halls display exhibits from stone tools to modern products. The museum annually hosts holidays (“Fisherman’s Day”, “Preserving - Reviving”) and craft fairs. The honest museum of the indigenous peoples of the Vodskaya Pyatina in the village of Monastyrki, Kingisepp district, is located in 2 buildings.

The first contains items reminiscent of the events of the Great Patriotic War. The presented copies were given to the owner as a gift by veterans. The hut of 1898 displays artifacts of the Votic, Russian, and Izhora peoples. There is no fixed ticket price. You can get to the village by car along the A-180 highway. Distance – 40 km.

Natural attractions

Kingisepp (the city's attractions also include park areas) is popular for its monument of landscape gardening art "Romanovka" on the left bank of the Luga River (Komsomolovka Street). In this place the estate of General Bistrom was located. The territory is decorated in English style. Every year the park is the venue for city holidays and festivals. Free admission.

The “Summer Garden” on the right bank of the Luga River is one of the favorite places for relaxation of local residents. A quiet, secluded park in the city center overlooking St. Catherine's Cathedral was used as a regimental garden before the revolution. The pond in the park served as the moat of the Yam fortress.

Memorial Park "Grove Five Hundred" on the street. Zhukov, according to local historians, received its name in connection with the tragic events of the execution of 500 Bolshevik supporters in the grove.

In the 50s, a mass grave of soldiers who participated in the liberation of the city during the Great Patriotic War was created in the park. A stone was laid in memory of former prisoners of fascist camps. The park area is equipped with benches for relaxation. There is an observation deck overlooking the river.

Monuments

The “Bronze Lion” statue was installed in 1841 at the burial site of K.I. Bistrom, a hero of the Patriotic War. The monument is located on the territory of the Romanovka park (Komsomolovka street), on the site of the former estate of the general. In the city center near the river bank on the street. Oktyabrskaya erected a monument “Cranes”, dedicated to the soldiers who died in Chechnya and Afghanistan.

The monument in the form of a white arch with birds flying into the sky symbolizes memory and hope. A sculptural bust of the Estonian communist revolutionary, after whom the city was named, is located at the intersection of Karl Marx and Zheleznodorozhnaya streets. Kingisepp V. fought for the establishment of Soviet power in Estonia, for which he was executed.

Story

The population of Kingisepp has remained stable in recent years. But the first settlement on this site appeared in 1348. Such data is contained in the Novgorod Chronicle. Initially the city was called Yam. With the help of this settlement, the Novgorodians strengthened their borders from attacks by the Germans and Swedes. A stone wall with gates and towers was built here, which withstood the siege of both the Livonian Confederation and the Swedish troops. In the Livonian chronicles you can find a description of this settlement called Nienslot, which means New Town, or New Castle.

In the 15th century, the settlement became not only a military center, but also a trade and craft center in the north-west of Rus'. In 1583, Russia still ceded the current Kingisepp to Sweden; it was returned after 12 years. In 1681, during another armed conflict, walls and towers were blown up. In 1700, Russian troops recaptured the city at the very beginning of the Northern War. Then it goes to Prince Menshikov, and when he is sent into exile, it returns to the treasury.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the glass industry began to develop here, and a textile factory appeared. In 1784, Yamburg officially became a district town. At the beginning of the 19th century, Yamburg turned out to be one of the poorest cities in the St. Petersburg province. The main income can be obtained from renting houses to stationed military personnel. It was the military personnel who made up a significant part of the population of Kingisepp before the revolution. For example, in 1849, of the 2,100 residents, more than 60 percent were military personnel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Excursions

Due to the low popularity of the city among tourists, Kingisepp does not have a wide variety of excursion programs.

Fortresses of the North-West

The excursion program includes visits to the sights of 3 cities that are important for the safety of state borders:

• in Koporye – visit to the 13th century fortress of the same name;
• in Kingisepp - Yam fortress, Catherine's Cathedral;
• in Ivangorod – visit to the fortress of the 15th-16th centuries and the exhibition of the Small Powder Granary.

Duration 10-11 hours. The excursion is carried out in a group of up to 25 people. Ticket price for 1 adult from 1270 rubles.

Kingisepp-Pilovo-Vistino-Luga Bay

The excursion includes transfer from and to St. Petersburg. Duration up to 12 hours.

In Kingisepp you can visit:

• city ​​center with a sightseeing tour;
• St. Catherine's Cathedral;
• Summer Garden;
• local history museum.

In Pillovo - an excursion to the chapel of the Pochaev Mother of God, in Vistino - a visit to the Izhora Museum.

At the end of the tour:

• walk in the Kurgalsky reserve;
• trip to the chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker;
• walking along the Gulf of Finland.

Excursions to the Kingisepp Museum of History and Local Lore

You can order a tour from the museum staff. The table shows the main list of services. The duration of all programs is from 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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.

Route for exploring the city on your own in 1-2 days

Kingisepp, whose attractions, despite their small number, play an important role in studying the history and culture of the country, can be explored in 1-2 days.

On day 1, you can explore memorable places on the right bank of the Luga River along the following route:

• St. Catherine's Cathedral (Voskov St., 27B/6);
• monument to partisan heroes (Karl Marx Ave.; 150 m);
• Kingisepp Museum of History and Local Lore (Karl Marx Ave. 1; 100 m);
• Summer Park (Zhukov St.; 350 m);
• monument “Cranes” (280 m; Oktyabrskaya street);
• monument to Crow and Fox (500 m; Oktyabrskaya street).

Kingisepp.
Sights: worth a look at the monument to the Crow and the Fox. You can start day 2 by getting to know the important places on the left bank:

• Grove of Memory (Narvskoye Highway);
• Romanovka Park (200 m);
• monument to K.I. Bistroma (Komsomolovka St.; 280 m);
• in the remaining time you can visit the “Ski Base” and “Equestrian Club”.

Architectural monuments

City Hall

Address: st. Bolshaya Sovetskaya, 8

This building was erected in 1917 and was supposed to be used to unite all city management structures under one roof. With the collapse of the Russian Empire, the building changed its purpose several times, and now within its walls there is a dental clinic, several shops and a youth center.

Inside, the Town Hall has the usual modern renovations, but from the outside it has retained the appearance of a century-old building. Built by the Russian architect K.K. Vasilyev (who is also the author of the Commercial College), the town hall fully reflects the architectural fashion of its time. During the occupation by Hitler's army, Nazi prisoners were kept in the building. This is reported by a memorial plaque on the façade of the Town Hall.

Ruins of the Yam fortress

Address: Summer Garden on Karl Marx Ave.

It was from this fortress that the history of the city began. It was erected in just 33 days so that it would protect Russian lands from the Livonian Order. Several centuries later, the fortress was partially destroyed, because it took part in all the battles that took place on the northwestern borders of Rus'.

By decree of Catherine II, it was completely dismantled, and a garden was laid out on its territory. After 2 centuries, excavations were carried out, and some fragments were still found surviving. Now all that remains of the Yamburg fortress are high ramparts and small fragments of walls.

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.

Unemployment rate

At the moment, the unemployment rate in Kingisepp remains one of the lowest in the Leningrad region. It is only 0.4%. As officials note, some credit for this goes to the Kingisepp employment center. Anyone can find a job here. The center itself is located at 6B Vostochnaya Street.

There are a large number of programs in the field of social protection of the population. Kingisepp has a very high average salary. In addition, over the past year it has grown by more than 14 percent and now equals 52,244 rubles.