In the heart of Vsevolozhsk, shrouded in mystery and local lore, stands the Krasny Zamok. Krasny Zamok translates to “Red Castle,” but don’t expect a crimson fortress. The ruins we see today are a skeletal echo of a grand architectural dream. The Krasny Zamok began as a modest estate for Vsevolod Andreevich Vsevolozhsky in the early 19th century. He commissioned architect P. E. Schreter to design a fitting residence. Schreter’s vision took shape in 1820 with the construction of a stone “factory” near the Glinskiy stream. This factory housed gas generators and other equipment for lighting the estate. Two brick chimneys rose above the surrounding structures, giving the factory a distinctive profile. These chimneys, along with the location near Rumbolovskaya Hill, contributed to the local nickname, Krasny Zamok. The name stuck. It evolved from a descriptor of the factory to encompass the entire estate. Vsevolozhsky’s son, Master Peter Karpovich Kazantsev, inherited the estate and expanded it. He commissioned a wooden “castle” and other outbuildings, transforming the modest estate into a larger complex. The addition of a metal water tower and a suhoy dock further cemented the estate’s imposing presence. By the early 20th century, the estate had grown significantly. It had two residential buildings, a master’s building, “economic buildings,” and remnants of the original factory. The central building, dubbed the Krasny Zamok by then, measured 136.6 square meters and stood two stories tall. Its twin towers, added sometime after the initial construction, gave it a castle-like appearance. The tower beside the suhoy dock stood 25 meters high. It included a pointed roof and a weather vane, adding to the estate’s visual charm. Sadly, the estate has fallen into ruin over the years. Yet, the Krasny Zamok’s enduring presence continues to inspire stories. It embodies the dreams and ambitions of its creators, leaving a lasting mark on Vsevolozhsk’s landscape and local lore.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to