Leningrad oblast overview
Leningrad oblast (also spelled Leningradskaya) is a federal subject of Russia, part of Northwestern Federal District. The capital city and administrative center is Saint Petersburg.
Leningrad oblast was formed as a result of administrative reform of August, 1st, 1927. Before that it was Ingermanland (later Saint-Petersburg, Petrograd, Leningrad) oblast, formed in 1708. The institutions of state power are situated in Saint-Petersburg city (from 1924 to 1991 - Leningrad, such is the name of the region).
Leningrad oblast population is about 1,632,000 (2009); land area - 85,300 sq. km.
Leningrad oblast nature
Leningrad region is located on Eastern-European (Russian) lowland. This explains a small number of hills (mainly 50-150 meters above sea level). The territory of Karelian neck (especially its north-eastern part) differs in broken ground and numerous rocks.
The climate is continental. Sea air provides mild winters with frequent thaws and moderate warm summers.
The region territory except a small south-eastern part refers to the Baltic Sea basin and has a thick, well developed net of rivers. The total length of all the rivers in Leningrad region is about 50 000 km. There are also 1800 lakes, including Ladoga Lake - the largest in Europe. Most part of the region is marshland.
Leningrad oblast history
The most ancient settlements on the territory of present Leningrad oblast appeared in 9000-8000 B.C. after the glacier retrieved. By the mid 1000 A.D. here lived Finno-Ugric tribes practicing agriculture, cattle-breeding, hunting and fishing. In 8th century the Slavs came here.
About 750s Ladoga appeared (since 18th century Old Ladoga) - the most ancient Russian settlement on the territory of Russia. In 9th-10th centuries Ladoga became an important political and economic center of Ancient Rus formation. Only at the end of 10th century it fails to hold its importance, yielding to Novgorod.
In 13th-14th centuries people in these lands had to fight with Livon knights and Swedish feudal lords. In 1240 a famous Neva Battle took place in which Russian troops headed by Prince Alexander Yaroslavich defeated Swedish troops. In January 1478 Novgorod republic was put an end as it was captured by Moscow principality.
In early 17th century during the Time of Troubles Russia was cut off the Baltic Sea: the north-eastern part of the country was captured by Sweden. Russia’s try to return the lost territory in 1656-1658 didn’t work.
In early 18th century during the Northern War the territory of the region was annexed to Russia and a new capital of the state was built here. In 1708 Ingermanland region was formed. In 1710 it was renamed into Saint-Petersburg, in 1914 - Petrograd, in 1924 - Leningrad region.
During World War II most of the territory of the region was occupied and severely suffered. When Leningrad was besieged the only road called “The Road of Life” went through the region connecting the besieged city with the country.
Leningrad oblast economics
Industry is the basis of Leningrad oblast economics. Such industries as food industry, transport equipment, oil product, pulp and paper industry prevail. The part of gas line “North Stream” is constructed in the region.
Leningrad nuclear power station is situated in Sosnovy Bor. Machine-building plants are situated in different towns of Leningrad oblast. The plant “Ford” is situated in Vsevolozhsk, the construction machine producing plant “Caterpillar” - in Tosno.
Leningrad oblast facts
Most of the population of Leningrad oblast are Russians. A lot of other Slavic nationalities live here - the Ukrainians, the Byelorusses.
The transportation net of Leningrad region is well developed due to Saint-Petersburg - one of the largest transport junctions in Russia: buses, water transportation, the airport “Pulkovo”, situated in Saint-Petersburg.
Leningrad oblast attractions
In 1990 a number of monuments of history and culture of Leningrad region were included into the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage:
- The fortifications “Seraya Loshad” (Grey Horse) and “Krasnaya Gorka” (Red Hill)
- Historical part of the city Shlisselburg
- The fortress “Oreshek”
- Palace and Parks in Ropsha, Gostilitza, Taytz, Gatchina
- The statue to Finnish soldiers in Melnikovo
Among the other places of interest of Leningrad oblast are:
- Staraya Ladoga - ancient capital of Northern Russia
- Vyborg - Vyborg castle
- Tihvin - Assumption monastery, house - memorial of Rimsky-Korsakov
- Ivangorod - Ivangorod fortress
- Priozyorsk - fortress “Korela”
- Koporye - a fortress
- Vsevolozhsk - museum estate “Priyutino”
- Island Konevets - a monastery; wooden churches of Svir (“Golden Ring of Leningrad oblast”)
- Tervenichi and Zelenets - monasteries
- Lisino - buildings designed by N.L.Benua
- Izvara - museum estate of Roerich
- Vyra - museum “A House of a Post-Master”)
The comments of our visitors