“Why does it look like a mushroom?” someone asks. Good question. Today we explore 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442. It is also known as Fort Zverev.
4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442 stands as a testament to Russia’s naval history. It is a key part of the Kronstadt fortress system. This system once protected Saint Petersburg from naval attacks. Let’s delve into the story of this unique fort.
Construction on 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442 began in 1865. It was part of a major upgrade to Kronstadt’s defenses. These upgrades were deemed necessary. Smoothbore artillery became outdated. The central role of 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442 was its position. It was the central fort of seven northern forts. This made its role very important.
The shape of 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442 is unique. It resembles a mushroom. The rampart acts as the “cap”. The counterscarp is the short “leg”. This design was meant to protect it. It guarded against enemy ships.
Its primary role was to protect against naval attacks. It was not designed to fight land invasions. 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442 needed protection from invaders. Other forts would stop enemies. This way enemies could not land on the artificial island.
The fort originally featured metal turrets. These turrets had observation posts. The turrets were heavily armored. Sadly the armor was removed in the 2000s. It was then sold for scrap metal. This removal caused much regret later on.
Inside 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442, there were storage rooms. They were likely used for supplies. They may have housed equipment too. The wooden roofs are now gone. The brickwork is still intact. The structure remains strong.
Life at 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442 changed over time. By the 20th century, it was a storage facility. During World War II, it aided in defending Leningrad. Its guns fired on the enemy. It also provided a secure base.
Today 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442 is accessible to visitors. Exploring it offers insight into military history. It shows us how Saint Petersburg was protected. Walking around you get a sense of the past. You can imagine the soldiers who lived and worked here. They were ready to defend their city.
So look around. Take in the views. Think about the history. 4-\u0439 \u0421\u0435\u0432\u0435\u0440\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0444\u043e\u0440\u0442 is more than just a structure. It is a piece of Saint Petersburg’s soul. It is a reminder of its strength and resilience.