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Pushkin: Imperial Grandeur

An immersive exploration of the historic town of Pushkin, Saint Petersburg, detailing its imperial roots, cultural landmarks, and enduring legacy.

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A Storied Past

Origins as Tsarskoye Selo

The settlement that would become Pushkin originated in 1710 as an imperial residence named Tsarskoye Selo (meaning "Tsar's Village"). Initially a Swedish estate known as Saaren moisio, it was granted to Alexander Menshikov by Peter the Great before being assigned to Catherine I in 1710, marking its official founding date.[11] The area's name evolved from earlier forms like Saritsa and Sarskaya Manor, reflecting its connection to the imperial family.[7][8]

Imperial Residence and Development

During the reign of Empress Elizabeth, Tsarskoye Selo flourished as a summer residence. The modest palace of Catherine I was transformed into the magnificent Catherine Palace by architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli between 1740 and 1750s.[5] Catherine the Great further developed the area, establishing the town of Sofia in 1780 and expanding the parks, including the creation of the Alexander Park and the Alexander Palace.[5]

Pioneering Infrastructure

Tsarskoye Selo was at the forefront of Russian technological advancement. In 1837, the first public railway in Russia, the Tsarskoye Selo Railways, opened, connecting the town to St. Petersburg.[17] By the end of the 19th century, it became one of the first fully electrified towns in Europe and established a telephone network.[16]

Renaming and Legacy

Following the October Revolution, the town was renamed Detskoye Selo ("Children's Village") in 1918. In 1937, it was further renamed Pushkin to honor the 100th anniversary of the death of the renowned Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, who studied at the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum.[5][9]

Geographical Context

Landscape and Topography

Pushkin is situated on the Neva Lowland, on the left bank of the Neva River. The terrain is varied, featuring hills, ridges, and terraces interspersed with valleys, plains, forests, and agricultural land. Numerous springs feed streams and ponds, contributing to the area's picturesque landscape.[32] The geological history reveals that the area was once covered by a sea during the Paleozoic era, with sediments forming a thick layer over the Baltic Shield.[32]

Flora and Fauna

Historically, the region was characterized by temperate coniferous forests. Intensive human activity has transformed much of the landscape into agricultural land, interspersed with groves of aspen, birch, alder, and willow. The creation of extensive park areas, such as Catherine Park (107 hectares) and Alexander Park (120 hectares), has preserved significant green spaces.[36] The area benefits from relatively low pollution levels due to these parks and environmental policies, supporting diverse bird, reptile, invertebrate, hare, and muskrat populations.[21]

Climate Overview

Temperate and Transitional

Pushkin experiences a temperate and wet climate, transitional between oceanic and continental influences. The length of daylight varies significantly throughout the year, from approximately 6 hours in winter to nearly 19 hours during the White Nights in summer.[citation needed] Summers are short and moderately warm, while winters are long and characterized by frequent thaws. Temperatures above freezing are common from early April to mid-November.[citation needed]

Climatic Data

The region experiences moderate precipitation, with the highest amounts typically occurring in the summer months. February is generally the coldest month, while May, June, and July are the least cloudy, offering numerous sunny days.[citation needed]

Climate data for Pushkin
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 8.6
(47.5) 		10.2
(50.4) 		14.9
(58.8) 		25.3
(77.5) 		30.9
(87.6) 		34.6
(94.3) 		35.3
(95.5) 		33.5
(92.3) 		30.4
(86.7) 		21.0
(69.8) 		12.3
(54.1) 		10.9
(51.6) 		35.3
(95.5)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −2.3
(27.9) 		−1.4
(29.5) 		4.1
(39.4) 		9.2
(48.6) 		16.1
(61.0) 		20.5
(68.9) 		22.2
(72.0) 		20.6
(69.1) 		14.6
(58.3) 		8.5
(47.3) 		1.8
(35.2) 		−0.7
(30.7) 		9.4
(48.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) −6.5
(20.3) 		−6.0
(21.2) 		−1.4
(29.5) 		4.4
(39.9) 		10.9
(51.6) 		15.8
(60.4) 		17.7
(63.9) 		16.4
(61.5) 		11.0
(51.8) 		5.6
(42.1) 		−0.1
(31.8) 		−3.9
(25.0) 		5.2
(41.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −7.9
(17.8) 		−7.7
(18.1) 		−2.9
(26.8) 		1.6
(34.9) 		7.1
(44.8) 		11.9
(53.4) 		14.0
(57.2) 		13.0
(55.4) 		8.0
(46.4) 		3.7
(38.7) 		−2.1
(28.2) 		−5.5
(22.1) 		2.8
(37.0)
Record low °C (°F) −35.9
(−32.6) 		−35.2
(−31.4) 		−29.9
(−21.8) 		−21.8
(−7.2) 		−6.6
(20.1) 		0.1
(32.2) 		4.9
(40.8) 		1.3
(34.3) 		−3.1
(26.4) 		−12.9
(8.8) 		−22.2
(−8.0) 		−34.4
(−29.9) 		−35.9
(−32.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 40
(1.6) 		31
(1.2) 		35
(1.4) 		33
(1.3) 		38
(1.5) 		64
(2.5) 		78
(3.1) 		77
(3.0) 		67
(2.6) 		65
(2.6) 		56
(2.2) 		49
(1.9) 		633
(24.9)
Source: [33][35]

Demographic Snapshot

Population Trends

As of the 2010 Census, Pushkin had a population of 92,889 residents.[2] The town's population has seen fluctuations, with a notable increase in the post-Soviet era as it became a desirable residential area. The average age of residents is around 40 years and is gradually increasing.[16]

Age and Gender Distribution

The working-age population constitutes approximately 63% of the total, with 13% being younger and 24% older. The female population is larger, particularly among those outside the working age group, with a ratio of 2700 women per 1000 men in that demographic.[16]

Population of Pushkin
Year 1817 1897 1910 1926 1939 1959 1970 1979 1989 1991 1996 2002 2007 2010
Population 4,000[15] 22,400 30,880[40] 19,300 56,000 46,000 70,000 90,000 95,415[41] 95,300[10] 93,600 84,628[42] 96,000[16] 92,889[2]

Local Governance

Municipal Structure

Pushkin operates as a municipal town within the Pushkinsky District of the federal city of St. Petersburg. The local governance is managed by the Pushkin Municipal Council, comprising twenty deputies elected from four multi-member electoral districts. Recent elections have seen a strong representation from the United Russia party, alongside members from other political affiliations.[43][44]

Administrative Divisions

The town's layout is broadly divided into two main parts: the older Tsarskoye Selo in the northeast, centered around Cathedral Square, and the former town of Sofia in the south, planned by Catherine II and centered on Sofia Square. These areas are bordered by expansive parks and boulevards, with the railway line forming the eastern boundary.[45]

Economic Landscape

Industrial Base

Pushkin's economy is anchored by mechanical engineering, with key enterprises producing railway equipment, road construction machinery, boiler equipment, and woodworking machinery. The town also hosts manufacturers of medical equipment, an asphalt plant, and stone processing facilities.[59][60]

Food and Services

The food industry is well-developed, featuring producers of prefabricated frozen meat, beer (with Tinkoff brewery being part of Anheuser-Busch InBev), and bread. The service sector is robust, encompassing trade, small retail sales, and household services, supported by numerous companies and large retail chains.[66][67]

Military Presence

The Sofia area hosts a significant military garrison, including aviation and artillery units, as well as a military cooks school. An aircraft repair plant, part of the Russian Air Force, is located outside the town.[69]

Connectivity

Road Networks

Pushkin is strategically located near major transportation arteries. The Saint Petersburg Ring Road, along with the M10 E105, M20 E95, and M11 E20 highways, provide excellent connectivity to St. Petersburg via Pulkovo, Moscow, and Vitebsk highways.[46]

Public Transit

The town boasts a well-developed public transportation system, including 24 municipal and 17 commercial bus routes. A major railway line connecting St. Petersburg to Vitebsk passes through the city, serving the Tsarskoye Selo railway station.[70]

Cultural Heritage

Museum Complex

The State Museum-Reserve "Tsarskoye Selo" is the town's primary cultural attraction. This ensemble of 18th and 19th-century palaces and parks, a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes the Catherine Palace, Alexander Palace, and numerous pavilions. Restoration efforts, partly supported by the World Bank, aim to preserve this rich historical legacy.[47]

Literary Connections

Pushkin is intrinsically linked to the poet Alexander Pushkin. The Pushkin Museum, located in his former summer residence, offers insights into his life and work during his time in Tsarskoye Selo.59°43′26.6″N 30°24′00.0″E / 59.724056°N 30.400000°E / 59.724056; 30.400000[71] The town also hosts the Museum-exhibition "Anna Akhmatova. Tsarskoye Selo", dedicated to another prominent Russian poet.59°43′10.3″N 30°24′13.1″E / 59.719528°N 30.403639°E / 59.719528; 30.403639

Religious Sites

Pushkin is home to numerous churches, reflecting its historical status. Notable Orthodox sites include the Znamenskaya Church (the oldest stone building), the restored Catherine Cathedral, and the Fyodorovskiy Cathedral. The town also features Roman Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran churches, alongside other denominations.[74]

Athletic Pursuits

Sporting Achievements

The town has produced notable athletes, including three Honored Masters of Sports, nineteen International Masters of Sports, and sixty-two Masters of Sports.[16] Pushkin offers extensive sports facilities, including numerous clubs, two swimming pools, and a 1,500-seat stadium that hosts track and field events and the local football club "Tsarskoye Selo".[73]

Local Media

Radio and Print

Local media includes the radio station "Tsarskoye Selo," broadcasting since 1991 via cable television.[80] Several newspapers serve the community, such as the historic "Tsarskoselskaya Newspaper" (published since 1906), focusing on cultural and local events, the "Municipal Vestnik" reporting council activities, and various advertising and information publications.[16]

Global Connections

Sister Cities

Pushkin maintains active sister city relationships with several international locations, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. These include Aalborg (Denmark), Cambrai (France), Mantua (Italy), Neukölln (Germany), and Worcester, MA (USA), among others.[83]

  • Aalborg, Denmark (2005)
  • Bălți, Moldova (2015)
  • Cambrai, France (2003)
  • Kalamazoo County, MI, United States (1992)
  • Mantua, Italy (2000)
  • Nassau County, NY, United States (1996)
  • Neukölln (Berlin), Germany (1991)
  • Novopolotsk, Belarus (2003)
  • Semey, Kazakhstan (1995)
  • Valence, France (2017)
  • Veria, Greece (2015)
  • Worcester, MA, United States (1987)
  • Zerbst, Germany (1994)

References

Sources

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  2. ^ a b Russian Federal State Statistics Service (2011). Всероссийская перепись населения 2010 года. Том 1 [2010 All-Russian Population Census, vol. 1]. Federal State Statistics Service. (in Russian)
  3. ^ "О об исчислении времени". Официальный интернет-портал правовой информации (in Russian). June 3, 2011. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  4. ^ Почта России. Информационно-вычислительный центр ОАСУ РП. (Russian Post). Поиск объектов почтовой связи (Postal Objects Search) (in Russian)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Пушкин (город в Ленинградской обл.)", Great Soviet Encyclopedia on-line (in Russian)
  6. ^ Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments – UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Whc.unesco.org. Retrieved on 2011-03-11.
  7. ^ Inkeri: tiekartta. Ingriainfo oy. 1992. ISBN 951-96326-0-3.
  8. ^ a b Goroda Rossii: entsiklopedija. Moskva: Bolšaja Rossijskaja Entsiklopedija. 1994. p. 368.
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  10. ^ a b c d e f Pushkin, Encyclopæedia Britannica on-line
  11. ^ All dates are in the New Style
  12. ^ a b c Serpokryl, S. M., ed. (1973). Leningrad: Travel Guide. St. Petersburg: Lenizdat. pp. 199–206.
  13. ^ Johann Gottlieb Georgi (1996). Описание российско-императорского столичного города Санкт-Петербурга и достопримечательностей в окрестностях оного, с планом (Description of Russian imperial capital of St. Petersburg and attractions in the vicinity thereof, with a plan). St. Petersburg: Лигa. pp. 496–504.
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  18. ^ Margovenko, A (2004). "Дороги царей (Roads of Emperors)". Урал. 10.
  19. ^ Ian McNeil (June 1, 2002). An Encyclopedia of the History of Technology. Taylor and Francis. pp. 575–. ISBN 978-0-203-19211-5. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
  20. ^ Отводение и очистка сточных вод СПб. / Гос. унитар. предприятие Водоканал Санкт-Петербурга; Karmazinov FV (ed.). St. Petersburg, 2002. pp. 359–364
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  22. ^ "Tsarskoselskaya Gazeta". www.pushkin-town.net. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
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  39. ^ All-Union population census 1989. Demoscope Weekly (in Russian). Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  40. ^ Federal State Statistics Service. Population of Russia, its federal districts, federal subjects, districts, urban districts, urban settlements, rural settlements – district centers, and rural settlements with a population of over 3,000. (XLS). Retrieved May 17, 2019.
  41. ^ "Deputies of the Pushkin Municipal Council". Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  42. ^ "VI Convocation of the Pushkin Municipal Council". Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  43. ^ "Charter of the Municipal Formation 'City of Pushkin'". Pushkin municipal urban council and Administration of the municipal formation. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  44. ^ Atlas Sankt-Peterburg [Atlas of St. Petersburg]. Moscow: GUGK. 1993. pp. 44–45.
  45. ^ "Restoration of the Catherine Palace". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  46. ^ "Museum-exhibition 'Anna Akhmatova. Tsarskoye Selo'". Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  47. ^ Pushkin: A Guidebook. St. Petersburg: Paritet. 2003. pp. 188–190.
  48. ^ Zhizn' goroda Pushkina [Life of the city of Pushkin]. St. Petersburg: Kolo. 2007. pp. 112–113.
  49. ^ a b c "Religious Sites in Pushkin". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  50. ^ "Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pushkin". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  51. ^ "Church of Evangelical Christian Baptists". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  52. ^ Cemeteries of Pushkin. St. Petersburg: Kolo. 2005. pp. 34–35.
  53. ^ "Царское Село – город Пушкин (Tsarskoye Selo – Pushkin)". www.pushkin-town.net. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  54. ^ Zhizn' goroda Pushkina [Life of the city of Pushkin]. St. Petersburg: Kolo. 2007. pp. 112–113.
  55. ^ "Sports Facilities in Pushkin". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  56. ^ "Football Club 'Tsarskoye Selo'". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  57. ^ "Local Radio Station 'Tsarskoye Selo'". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  58. ^ "Newspaper 'Gorodok-info'". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  59. ^ "Newspaper 'Gazeta + TV'". Administration of St. Petersburg. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  60. ^ "Sister Cities of Pushkin". Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2010.

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References

References

  1.  Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments – UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Whc.unesco.org. Retrieved on 2011-03-11.
  2.  Pushkin, Encyclopædia Britannica on-line
  3.  All dates are in the New Style
  4.  Program for the 300 anniversary Administration of St. Petersburg
  5.  ÐŸÑ€Ð¸ÐºÐ°Ð· председателя КГИОП № 15 от 20.02.2001
  6.  ÐŸÐ¾ÑÑ‚ановление Правительства РФ № 527 от 10.07.2001
  7.  Ð ÐµÑˆÐµÐ½Ð¸Ðµ исполкома Ленгорсовета № 650 от 25.08.1975
  8.  ÐœÑƒÐ·ÐµÐ¹ "Царскосельская коллекция". Museum.ru. Retrieved on 2011-03-11.
  9.  Ð“ОРОДОК-INFO ГАЗЕТА
A full list of references for this article are available at the Pushkin, Saint Petersburg Wikipedia page

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