Perhaps you’ve heard of a town where Alexander Pushkin once roamed. That town is part of the Vsevolozhsky District. Welcome to Vsevolozhsky District a place teeming with history and culture.
Vsevolozhsky District is an administrative and municipal district located in the central northwestern part of the Leningrad Oblast. It was established in 1936. Its administrative center is the town of Vsevolozhsk. The district borders several other districts and the federal city of St. Petersburg. Lake Ladoga washes its eastern border.
Initially, Finnic peoples populated the area. Historically, it changed hands between Sweden and Russia. The area once belonged to the Novgorod Republic. Later, it was annexed by the Grand Duchy of Moscow.
Peter the Great’s administrative reform in 1708 included this area in the Ingermanland Governorate. This governorate became known as Saint Petersburg Governorate in 1710. In 1927, uyezds were abolished. Leninsky District was established with its center in Vsevolozhskoye.
However, Leninsky District was short-lived. In 1930, it was merged into Leningradsky Prigorodny District. Then, in 1936, Vsevolozhsky District was established. The suburban settlement of Vsevolozhskoye became its administrative center.
During World War II, Vsevolozhsky District played a crucial role. It remained unoccupied. The Road of Life passed through the district during the Siege of Leningrad. Goods traveled across the ice of Lake Ladoga to Kokkorevo. From there, they were transported to Leningrad through Vsevolozhsky District.
In 1892, a narrow-gauge railway was constructed. It was the first of its kind in Russia. This railway transported peat to heat St. Petersburg. Settlements developed around railway stations like Berngardovka and Vsevolozhskaya. Vsevolozhskoye was also the first settlement in Russia with street gas lamps.
Today, Vsevolozhsky District is heavily industrialized. It includes suburbs of Saint Petersburg. Industries include chemical, machine building, and timber. A growing high-tech sector also thrives here. Many residents commute to St. Petersburg for work.
Agriculture is also present, with various farms operating in the district. The landscape is diverse. You will find flat areas in the south and east. Hilly terrains mark the west and northwest.
Vsevolozhsky District boasts a rich cultural heritage. There are 52 cultural heritage monuments of federal significance. Additionally, 131 objects are classified as local cultural and historical heritage. The Priyutino Estate, the Ryabovo Estate and monuments related to the Siege of Leningrad are among them.
The Vsevolozhsk State Museum of History showcases local collections. The Priyutino Estate once belonged to Alexey Olenin. He was the president of the Imperial Academy of Arts in the 19th century. It now serves as a museum.
As you explore Vsevolozhsky District, remember its vital role in history. From its changing territorial affiliations to its contribution during the Siege of Leningrad, this district has a unique story to tell. Its blend of industry, agriculture, and culture makes it a distinctive part of the Leningrad Oblast.