Historical reference

The history of Petrozavodsk is closely connected with impetuous historical and political changes in the Russian Empire in early XVIII century. Ruled by the tsar Peter the Great, the reformer and founder of new cities, the country was reshaped in the European way; therefore, it needed to establish its new status at the world political arena. One of the key goals in the state activities at that time was fighting for the access to the Baltic Sea and further to European capitals.It meant that what the Russian Empire needed the greatest was strengthening its defense industry.

A cannon factory called Petrovskii was built for this purpose at the mouth of the Lososinka River. Peter I signed the order for its construction in 1703 (same year as St. Petersburg was founded).

For XVIII century, the factory founded on the shores of Lake Onego was a large defense industry facility where lake and bog iron ores were processed.It was the first factory in Europe to produce light cast iron cannons and sliding-wedge breechblocks, cannonballs and grenades, anchors etc.Besides, Petrozavodsk craftsmen did the job so rare for Russian of that time manufacturing steam engines and sophisticated machines. For instance, machines for minting golden coins for the Imperial Mint were made here. Established over 300 years ago, the factory is still working, and now it is called Onego Tractor Plant.

A settlement sprawled around Petrovskii plant bearing the same name as the factory and inhabited by people in this or other way connected with it. Those were workmen, stewards, clerks from the mining department and solders. The settlement was growing and flourishing. But when the Northern War was won there was no urgent need in the production of the factory, and the pace of life here slowed down.

Later on the city development was spurred by the construction of Alexandrovskii cast iron and cannon factory in 1773.

In 1777 the settlement around the factory got the status of a city when the Empress Catherine II signed a corresponding decree. In 1817 the young city became the main one in the province, and at that point the first Governor of the region was appointed. That was a prominent Russian poet and nobleman Gavrila Derzhavin, a monument to whom is standing in one of the city parks.

When the Soviet government gained power, considerable changes occurred in the appearance of the city. Streets and squares were renamed, monuments were built to the leaders of the Communist party, and many buildings and churches were blown up. Therefore, old buildings remained only in the area of today’s Lenin square and Karl Marx Avenue. Petrozavodsk also suffered bad damage during the Great Patriotic war and occupation as most buildings were destroyed and they were constructed anew only when the war was over.

People of Petrozavodsk cherish historical and cultural heritage preserved from the old times. Several museums have been established that are dedicated to the history of the city. Lots of old houses carry information plaques with the names of famous citizens of Petrozavodsk.