Water and Stone. Historical story. Valery Pikulev

steps, a decor of a protective lattice with “semi-antique” lamps… Yes, link of times is felt here – mighty well!

      Lamps and fragments of a decor of a protective lattice of Ioannovsky Bridge

      Yes, link of times is felt here…

      Footpath, to the left of the bridge, winding along external walls of fortress, conducts directly to the city beach, and the path which is running away to the right – to the helipad from where it is possible to make flight over the city.

      We get into the helicopter…

      …Also we fly

      No, we will not depart, and we will go directly, anywhere without turning, – in fortress. And here, we go on a wooden flooring of Ioannovsky Bridge, listening attentively to boomingly given steps, and we go to gate of the Ioannovsky ravelin. Their cool twilight as if foretells a meeting with history…

      Nevertheless, why for Peter this fortress, never, besides, not being involved in battles was necessary? What forced him which just took two terrible fortresses at Swedes – Noteburg and Nienschanz, – to urgently build one more? Besides, the Nienschanz located in the median Neva Current as well as possible corresponded to a role of customs “latch” for collection of duty from all who will carry down the river to Russia goods. And militarily fortress could serve still, covering future city from the West, be built it under protection of its walls. And Noteburg, – fire of its serf artillery would stop any who will dare to threaten the city from the East. But, probably, in that there was also Peter’s idea, – “we will threaten the Swede from here!” – that it was also not going to defend, he looked further!

      Peter needed the fleet. Only the military fleet could make Russia the great sea power – “a leg firm to become at the sea”! But whether the fleet which construction only still began could, and crews of the ships are untrained, – whether such fleet could resist to skilled Swedes in the high sea? And where to cover the ships having big draft from the perfidious opponent, – not in narrow bends of the river?! – No, the Nienschanz for this purpose was no good at all! – The big water area, broad river lands is necessary. At the Gulf!

      And here, if to construct fortress on the island, in the delta of Neva, – in that place where the river, being divided into two deep sleeves, forms the widest smooth surface of quiet water, – here then pass from the sea will be closed reliably!

      “For several days the convenient place is found to that…” – Peter in the diary will write down. The island on which it decided to build fortress from three parties is washed by waters of wide Neva, and from the neighboring big island it is separated quite fast a channel, representing a natural defensive barrier. Here on this island the first stone of the city of Saint Apostle Peter was also put… and there was it, as we know, in the 1703rd year A.D., May, the 16th day…