Observe the tranquil flow of the Smolenka River. It whispers tales of transformations and resilience. This minor river is an armlet of the Neva. It shapes the landscape of Saint Petersburg.
The Smolenka separates Decembrists’ Island from Vasilievsky Island. It stretches for 3,700 meters into the Gulf of Finland. The river’s journey wasn’t always as it is today.
Originally, the Smolenka was shorter. Between 1960 and 1970, its course was redirected. Now, the Smolenka flows directly into the Gulf of Finland. A man-made island marks its mouth. There were plans for a Naval Museum exhibition here, but they never materialized.
In the 18th century, it was known as the Myakushaya River. Before St. Petersburg’s founding, a Chukhna village stood on its bank. “Chukhna” was a derogatory term for Finns and related ethnic groups in this area. Later, factories lined the riverbanks during the industrial revolution.
The Smolenka is closely tied to the Smolenskoe Cemetery. This cemetery is divided into Orthodox, Armenian, and Lutheran sections. It also holds fraternal graves for those who died during the Siege of Leningrad. The cemetery’s oldest church is dedicated to the Theotokos of Smolensk. By the mid-19th century, the name “Smolenka” spread to the cemetery and the river.
St. Ksenia of St. Petersburg rests here. Also, the symbolist poet Alexander Blok is buried here.
After the river’s redirection, the Novosmolenskaya Embankment was added. This broad embankment borders the Smolenka. A rectangular mouth was planned as part of the Morskaya Embankment recreational area. This plan was abandoned, leaving the area undeveloped.
Notable buildings line the Smolenka’s banks. The Kozitsky Radio Factory stands with its Stalinist worker’s club. The Art Nouveau Hostel for Workers of the Reichel Optical Factory is quite attractive. The Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection dates back to 1797. It has been recently restored.
Several bridges cross the Smolenka. The Uralsky Bridge is the oldest. It was built of wood in 1829. Rebuilt in concrete in 1974. It features granite pillars adorned with gilded boat tops. The Nalichny Bridge has similar granite obelisks.
The Smolenka River, with its bridges and historical surroundings, reflects St. Petersburg’s evolving story. Its waters carry echoes of the past. They also mirror the city’s enduring spirit. Take a moment to appreciate the Smolenka’s quiet strength. It flows through history.