Didn’t Fyodor Shalyapin sing here? Locals say the wooden Shalyapin’s Gazebo served as a stage. It was a stage for the great singer. This is according to local legend.
Welcome to Shalyapin’s Gazebo in Sestroretsk. It is a symbol of the town. It is featured on souvenirs and postcards. The gazebo is on Andreyeva Street near the Kurort station.
In 1900, the Sestroretsk resort opened. The area expanded with new streets and plots for construction. A wooden gazebo appeared at the intersection of several streets. It belonged to State Councilor Vulfson. The exact date of construction is unknown. The architect is also unknown. Grigory Yakovlevich Levi may have designed it. Vladimir Pyasetsky may also have been the architect.
Locals call it Shalyapinskaya. The legend says Fyodor Shalyapin performed here. He sang before the people. However, there is no documentary evidence. The gazebo became a landmark.
The wooden Shalyapin’s Gazebo is in the Russian style. It stands on Vulfson’s former land. It stands near house number 7 on Andreyeva Street. The gazebo has a unique design. It stands on a granite foundation. The lower part has four corner pylons. It also has two side pylons. The pylons hold a two-tiered roof. The roof has wide eaves. A pyramidal top crowns the structure. Carved wooden elements decorate everything.
In 1988, the gazebo became a protected cultural site. After the Soviet Union, it fell into disrepair. By the 2000s, it was in poor condition. In 2004, specialists measured and photographed it. They conserved the monument in 2007. In 2021, the city took ownership of the gazebo. 4.7 million rubles were allocated for restoration. The restoration took place from July to November. During restoration, the gazebo was dismantled. Each detail was repaired. A new foundation was built. 95% of the original wooden parts were saved. Five layers of paint were found. The lowest layer was restored. The gazebo was painted brown with white details. The ceiling was blue. The surrounding area was improved.
Today, Shalyapin’s Gazebo stands as a testament to history. It is a reminder of Sestroretsk’s rich cultural past. It links us to the legendary Fyodor Shalyapin. Though facts are scarce, the legend lives on. It keeps the spirit of music and artistry alive in this charming town. Take a moment to imagine Shalyapin’s powerful voice. Hear it echoing through the air from this very spot. Feel the history and legend intertwine.