Wondering why this place is called Enkolovo? The story of Enkolovo is more intricate than you might imagine. Let’s step back in time. Enkolovo is a village nestled in the Vsevolozhsky District of the Leningrad Oblast. It is more than just a name on a map.
This area was once part of Ingermanland. Swedish colonists built a fortress at the mouth of the Neva River in 1611. The area was inhabited by Finnic Izhorians and Votians before the 17th century. Ingrian Finns also moved to the region during Swedish rule.
Later Peter the Great wanted to gain a seaport to trade with Europe. He captured Nyenskans and replaced the fortress. In 1703, he laid down the Peter and Paul Fortress. It became the first brick and stone building of the new city. The city was built by conscripted peasants.
Saint Petersburg became the capital in 1712. Domenico Trezzini created a plan where the city center would be on Vasilyevsky Island. The project was not completed. Saint Petersburg soon started to be built out according to a plan.
Saint Petersburg was renamed Petrograd in 1914. This was done to remove the German words Sankt and Burg. Then in 1924, it was renamed Leningrad. In 1991, the original name Saint Petersburg was returned.
During the Soviet era many historic architectural monuments were destroyed. Churches and cathedrals were demolished. The Siege of Leningrad took place during World War II. More than one million civilians were killed.
Today Enkolovo stands as a reminder of the region’s long past. The area is part of the Leningrad Oblast. It reflects the blend of cultures that have shaped this land.
Enkolovo had a population of 412 in 2010. It is a small village. It has its own unique story within the larger history of the region. As you explore Enkolovo remember the layers of history beneath your feet. This is a land where empires clashed and cultures merged. Enkolovo is a small piece of a much grander narrative.