In the middle of the Finnish gulf, approximately in 26 kilometers from St. Petersburg, there is the town of Kronstadt on the island of Kotlin. An island location and the nearness to St. Petersburg determined all three-century history of Kronstadt and its today's life. Till 1996 the island was closed for visiting by the simple citizens, because of location of naval military base on this island. It was possible to reach Kronstadt only by excursion or by the special invitation of the inhabitants of the town.

 
The island Kotlin was known from ancient times, but its modern history began since autumn of 1703, when under the command of Peter I on a small island-swept to the south from Kotlin the fort Kronshlot was founded. This fort blocked for the potential enemy a main waterway let to a mouth of Neva, where the new capital of empire was under construction. May 7, 1704 the fortifications including two batteries on the island Kotlin came into force. Kronstadt counts its age from this date. After one month to the fort the Swedes came, but were compelled to recede. Under a plan of Peter I the town should become not only barrier on a way of the enemy's ships, but also a base of Russian Military fleetIn 1723 on the Kotlin the fortress was constructed. This fortress received the name Kronstadt.

 
Peter I considered the town as a part of the capital. The best architects here worked, the perspective plan of the town with wide streets and large squares was developed.

 
During the tour you also will be able to observe the ships and submarines of Russian military naval fleet, standing at the moorings.Without any doubt, there are not many places in the country, where it is possible to look at battle engineering from distance of some tens meters. The military ships and submarines are situated near the granite quays and majestic monuments. They create an illusion of indissolubility of the Russian history. It is possible to imagine, that from the ship the officers, which are a pride and a support of the country, descend, go on quays, for example, in a building of Officer Assembly.