Krasnoye Selo

There is also on Vaida's Ebay a postcard of the train station of Krasnoye Selo c 1916 which I have never seen. There are many photographs in different books of Nicholas attending the manuveurs at Krasnoye Selo and reference to the villa that was built for the Imperial family's use when attending the manuveurs. I understand Krasnoye Selo is now a research and institute town but has anyone visited there? Is the train station still extent? Did the Imperial buildings survive? Are there any photographs of the Imperial villa and interiors?


Joanna

Hello Joanna!

I´ve never been in Krasnoe but a russian historian told me there was nothing left to see after the wwii...

Has anyone been to Krasnoie Selo?  If so, is there anything of an "Imperial" nature left to see?

It is properly spelled "Krasnoie Selo".  

No he changed the post after what I said.

It was a military camp (Vanguard camp). This is the house of the commander.

This is one of the Wooden barracks.

 Railroad station in 2003.

Yes, I know it was a military camp, and I can now spell it.

In any event, do any of Imperial buildings, parade fields and/or etc. remain?

Are the buildings in the black and white photos still present?

Vitually nothing has been left of the Krasnoye Selo's imperial military past. Almost all structures - palaces, residences, barracks etc. - were wooden, and none of them remained after WWII.

Driving through Krasnoie Selo today, there is no hint of its past.   It is a typical town of concrete flats.  

I know the Pulkova Observatory is on what were once called the Duderhof Hills.   I have tried to find the Duderhof Lake, but, so far, have not been successful.

There is no reason for anyone to visit Kranoie Selo today apart from being able to say you've been there.

tsaria

I have tried to find the Duderhof Lake

Tsaria,
Duderhof Hills and Pulkovo Hills (where the observatory stands) are two different places.

Duderhof Lake is in the southernmost part of Krasnoye Selo, close to Mozhayskaya rail station which is the next one after Krasnoye Selo station. Actually, if you ride by train between the two stations you see the lake on your right.

There is some evidence that several wooden buildings of the former Vanguard Camp might still be there, on the lake's western side. The problem is, the place seems to be a military zone used by two officer schools for training purposes, and therefore off limits. But it's well worth trying.  

Here's an old detailed map of Krasnoye Selo showing the lake and military camps around it. The current Mozhayskaya rail station is named Duderhof on the map.

Mike, thanks a million.   Is the map from the 1914 Baedeker?   I would love to own that book, but it is SO expensive now.   I borrow it from the university library and pour over it.   If it is not the Baedeker, could you please tell me where the map is from.  

Which railway line is Duderhof on?   Is it all built up as it is with Ligova?   That really did disappoint me.   I was in the railway station without realising it and only as the train pulled out did I take a second glance at the name.   It is so easy to forget how the suburbs have spread.

Thanks again.

tsaria

The map is from a Russian site, I've no idea where have they got it. It doesn't seem like one from the Baedeker.

Mozhayskaya station (former Duderhof) is on the Gatchina line from Baltiysky Station in SPb. The station building alone is worth a visit: it's the original one built in 1890. The area isn't built up as Krasnoye Selo itself. You may find a few images here.

Very many thanks Mike.   That is a wonderful site - I will need help to translate it, but I do see the Duderhof Lake and it does indeed look very lovely.

I know that railway-line.   Indeed, it is the same one with the station for Ligova.   We stopped at a place called Marienburg (a couple of stops before Gatchina) and walked, what felt like, many miles.   It was well worth it  because we spent the weekend at a dacha near the banks of a river where wonderful natural springs spouted ie-cold, delicious water through the sand.  Everyone bathed in those springs too.   It was heavenly there.  I can still smell the perfume of the peonies (my favourite flower).

Thanks for bringing back the memories.

tsaria