“A charming district they say” a tourist remarked. Yes Kolomna in Saint Petersburg is indeed charming. Nestled within Admiralteysky District its history unfolds like a captivating novel.
Kolomna’s story begins after devastating fires in 1736 and 1737. These fires destroyed much of the Maritime and Admiralty settlements. The rebuilding process led to the creation of Kolomna. The name itself is shrouded in mystery. Some believe it comes from Russified survey pillar names columns. Another version connects it to the resettlement of colonists. In Anna Ioannovna’s reign German colonists may have influenced the name. Their settlement became a colony and later Kolomna.
Initially Kolomna’s residents were mariners artisans and pilots. Merchants soldiers tradesmen and a few impoverished gentry joined them. Kolomna’s population grew steadily. In the mid-19th century it housed approximately 50000 people. By the mid-1890s this number had increased to over 70000. The 1910 census recorded more than 85000 inhabitants.
Imagine the bustling streets the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sounds of lively chatter. A mix of wooden houses with carved ridges and window carvings lined the streets. These houses were typical of Old Kolomna. Each building a piece of the district’s vibrant puzzle.
Alexander Suvorov a prominent Russian military commander died in Kolomna. His house number 23 on Kryukov Canal remains a significant landmark. A marble slab with a bas-relief of Suvorov commemorates this event. The text on the slab reads “In this house 6 May 1800 died the great Russian military leader Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov”.
Alexander Pushkin lived in Kolomna for three years. He resided at number 185 before his exile in 1820. In 1830 he wrote the poem Domik v Kolomne The Little House at Kolomna. This house also housed the celebrated architect Carlo Rossi who passed away there in 1849. Alexander Griboyedov also lived in Kolomna on Shopping Street in the autumn of 1824. These notable residents added to Kolomna’s rich cultural heritage.
Kolomna’s boundaries are defined by waterways. The Neva River New Admiralty Canal and Moyka River border it to the northwest. The Fontanka River is to the south. Kryukov Canal marks its eastern edge. These canals have shaped Kolomna’s identity and its character.
Today Kolomna is a blend of history culture and modern life. It is a place where the past whispers to the present. Explore its streets. Discover its hidden gems. Experience the unique charm of Kolomna a district that seamlessly blends old and new. You will discover a quieter charm amidst the vibrant city.