opened in 1905
Military and History Museum of the Pacific Fleet
opened in 1950
opened in 1950
In 1860 a military supply ship arrived fully equipped to create the Vladivostok outpost. To encourage imports, Vladivostok was made a Free Commercial Port in 1862. Only 2 years later the Southern Harbours Command moved in and a shipbuilding yard was built.
In 1871 the naval port, military governor's residence and Siberian Military Flotilla base moved here and the Great Northern Telegraph Co. connected Vladivostok to Nagasaki and Shanghai by underwater cable. The fortifications went up in early 1870s.
The Aigun Treaty had ceded huge lands to Russia, worsening the already cool relations with France and Britain, but the Germans were favoured. Hamburgers merchant Gustav Kunst (1836-1905) and jeweller Gustav Albers (1838-1911) went into business together in 1865, forming Vladivostok’s first department shop. They used Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, a successful commercial structure that Europeans loved.
By the late C19th, Jews were among the political prisoners sent by train for resettlement, establishing the Siberian communities of Omsk, Tomsk and Tobolsk. They played a prominent role in cultural and economic development, especially in the fur trade. By the late C19th, Siberia’s Jewish population stood at 35,000 people, with wooden synagogues and cemeteries in most towns. But the number of Jews who continued on to Vladivostok remained small.
Town status was granted in Ap 1880. In 1885 the Mother of God Catholic Church was a small wooden church. Later a beautiful stone building in a Gothic style was built largely for Poles & Lithuanians. [This was a house of worship that was repurposed, not destroyed by the Soviets].
Mother of God Catholic Church
founded in 1866
Rebuilt as Episcopal See of the Catholic Diocese until 2002.
Belarusian merchant Leon Skidelsky (1845–1916) was contracted in 1895 to build the last Trans-Siberian railway section, from northern Manchuria to Vladivostok. When Leon settled in Vladivostok, he became a key sponsor of the Amur Regional Museum, a cultural exhibition arranged by gold producers for Prince Nicholas Romanov, Russian heir. The museum is housed in Kunst und Albers Trade Co site.
The Nicholas Triumphal Gates were built in 1891 to commemorate Prince Nicholas’ visit, just where the prince’s got off the ship at Admiral’s Wharf. The monumental stone and brick arch was designed in the Russian and Byzantine style, light and elegant. The four foundations and walls were adorned with Old Russian patterns and a gilt eagle on top. In 1930, when Bolsheviks took over the power, these hated Tsarist symbols were blown up, and restored only in 2003.
The Great Purge (1936) revealed extreme Stalinist oppression. While previous Stalinist purges persecuted wealthy kulaks, peasants, clerics and small manufacturers, the Great Purge saw imprisonments & executions of Communists, Red Army men and academics. After a decade of anti-religious propaganda in the 1920s, most prayer houses were closed in the 1930s or were changed into Soviet administration sites.
In 1871 the naval port, military governor's residence and Siberian Military Flotilla base moved here and the Great Northern Telegraph Co. connected Vladivostok to Nagasaki and Shanghai by underwater cable. The fortifications went up in early 1870s.
The Aigun Treaty had ceded huge lands to Russia, worsening the already cool relations with France and Britain, but the Germans were favoured. Hamburgers merchant Gustav Kunst (1836-1905) and jeweller Gustav Albers (1838-1911) went into business together in 1865, forming Vladivostok’s first department shop. They used Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, a successful commercial structure that Europeans loved.
By the late C19th, Jews were among the political prisoners sent by train for resettlement, establishing the Siberian communities of Omsk, Tomsk and Tobolsk. They played a prominent role in cultural and economic development, especially in the fur trade. By the late C19th, Siberia’s Jewish population stood at 35,000 people, with wooden synagogues and cemeteries in most towns. But the number of Jews who continued on to Vladivostok remained small.
Town status was granted in Ap 1880. In 1885 the Mother of God Catholic Church was a small wooden church. Later a beautiful stone building in a Gothic style was built largely for Poles & Lithuanians. [This was a house of worship that was repurposed, not destroyed by the Soviets].
founded in 1866
Rebuilt as Episcopal See of the Catholic Diocese until 2002.
In May 1891, Grand Duke Nicholas II/later Czar ceremonially opened the start site of the great Trans-Siberian Railway line, built to connect European Russia with Vladivostok for economic and political reasons. The handsome Central Railway Station was opened in 1905, to build up Russia’s Pacific defences and to bind Siberia to Russia. The stone building had an iron roof, one-storey in the middle and a two-storey on the edges. Since 1924, decorative elements of the Czarist building began to disappear: the two-headed eagle, mosaic panels with coats of arms, relief images of glazed ceramics on Russian folklore and fairy tales.
Belarusian merchant Leon Skidelsky (1845–1916) was contracted in 1895 to build the last Trans-Siberian railway section, from northern Manchuria to Vladivostok. When Leon settled in Vladivostok, he became a key sponsor of the Amur Regional Museum, a cultural exhibition arranged by gold producers for Prince Nicholas Romanov, Russian heir. The museum is housed in Kunst und Albers Trade Co site.
The Nicholas Triumphal Gates were built in 1891 to commemorate Prince Nicholas’ visit, just where the prince’s got off the ship at Admiral’s Wharf. The monumental stone and brick arch was designed in the Russian and Byzantine style, light and elegant. The four foundations and walls were adorned with Old Russian patterns and a gilt eagle on top. In 1930, when Bolsheviks took over the power, these hated Tsarist symbols were blown up, and restored only in 2003.
Nicholas Triumphal Gate, 1891
Pokrovskiy Cathedral, built 1902, was second biggest church in Vladivostok and was followed by the neighbouring parochial school. In 1935 the Cathedral passed to the Naval Office and later became the site of the Military and History Museum of the Pacific Fleet.
Post-October Revolution 1917, Bolsheviks controlled Vladivostok and the Trans-Siberian Railway. During the long Russian Civil War they were overthrown by the White-allied Czechoslovak Legion, who declared the city an Allied Protectorate. The White Army regime was eventually defeated; in Ap 1920, Vladivostok was ruled by the Soviet-backed Far Eastern Republic, a buffer state between the Soviets and Japan. It became the capital of the Japanese-backed Provisional Government, after a White Army coup in May 1921. Withdrawal of Japanese forces and the arrival of Soviet rule in Oct 1922 marked the change in Siberia. Vladivostok was becoming Russia’s largest Pacific port city.
Post-October Revolution 1917, Bolsheviks controlled Vladivostok and the Trans-Siberian Railway. During the long Russian Civil War they were overthrown by the White-allied Czechoslovak Legion, who declared the city an Allied Protectorate. The White Army regime was eventually defeated; in Ap 1920, Vladivostok was ruled by the Soviet-backed Far Eastern Republic, a buffer state between the Soviets and Japan. It became the capital of the Japanese-backed Provisional Government, after a White Army coup in May 1921. Withdrawal of Japanese forces and the arrival of Soviet rule in Oct 1922 marked the change in Siberia. Vladivostok was becoming Russia’s largest Pacific port city.
The Great Purge (1936) revealed extreme Stalinist oppression. While previous Stalinist purges persecuted wealthy kulaks, peasants, clerics and small manufacturers, the Great Purge saw imprisonments & executions of Communists, Red Army men and academics. After a decade of anti-religious propaganda in the 1920s, most prayer houses were closed in the 1930s or were changed into Soviet administration sites.
Monument to Soldiers of Soviet Power in the Far East
in Vladivostok's central square, 1961.
The Monument to Soldiers of Soviet Power in the Far East was built in 1961 to commemorate the Russian Revolutions, and placed in the city’s central square. It is the largest monument in the Far East.
Vladivostok's synagogue, taken by Communist authorities in the 1930s, was given back to the community, renovated in Dec 2005 and launched by Russian PM Medvedev. Pokrovsky Cathedral, destroyed in the Revolution, was renovated and modernised in 2007. And its school!
Vladivostok's synagogue, taken by Communist authorities in the 1930s, was given back to the community, renovated in Dec 2005 and launched by Russian PM Medvedev. Pokrovsky Cathedral, destroyed in the Revolution, was renovated and modernised in 2007. And its school!
Vladivostok Synagogue
Russky Bridge is a cable-bridge that connects Russky Island and the Amursky Peninsula across the Eastern Bosphorus. Its central span of 1,104 ms, built to serve the 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference on Russky Island, was launched by Medvedev. Russky Island was a fully militarised zone for the past 150 years, now reinvented as a centre for Far Eastern Federal University and Oceanarium.
Russky Bridge, 2012
linking over to Russky Island
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22 comments:
We took the train from Irkutsk to Vladivostok and lived very comfortably. The views are amazing and the lectures were fascinating, but it was a bit long for me. Couples should make sure you get a two-bunk room, not a four-bunk room.
Hello Hels, You mentioned that several buildings were destroyed and restored, for instance the Mother of God Catholic Church, and the Nicholas Triumphant Gates. Were these reconstructed from ruins or refashioned existing buildings, and so partly old, or were they new buildings based on the old designs?
--Jim
Interesting, thanks for the history. I was there in 2016. It is not like anywhere else in Russia. I loved it. It is a great hotchpotch of Russia meets Japan and South Korea and endless traffic jams, left hand drive and right hand drive cars all mixed up together.
It is a city that's always fascinated me. A neighbour a couple of years ago recounted great stories of her visit. A guest on the late Tim Fisher's Great Train Show told of her visit there before catching the Trans Siberian. My sister and myself used to laugh so much when each of us used to mention the name, sometimes calling it Bloodyvostok. Thanks for putting together some information. I've read more than I remember about the place. Btw, my sister M was on ABC TV hard Quiz last Wednesday night. She didn't win 😢
Train Man
many thanks, I know you love your long distance trips.
Spouse and I travelled around India in a train trip and also had a great time, but we were in a 4 bunk cabin and lost a sense of privacy. Fortunately I can see that the Trans-Siberian Railway has plenty of overnight stays in interesting places. And lectures and Russian lessons!
Parnassus
As you would expect from a new city, most of the important buildings were built between 1860-1917.
Alas post-WW1 there were struggles, battles and wars tucked into the corner of Russia, China, Korea and Japan so it was inevitable that Vladivostok was going to be hit by armies and navies from all directions. After the Russian Revolution, the number of invaders, defenders, new controlling governments made a mess of the city; even the Stalinists in the mid 30s brought chaos. But the largely intact buildings were repurposed, not torn down.
Rachel
I agree. There were so many Chinese, Koreans, Japanese living alongside the Russians that we can expect the culture, cuisine and history of Vladivostok to reflect their different contributions. And not just decades ago. Today people come in to Vladivostok as seasonal workers or merchants, or to play in multi national sports competitions.
Andrew
I had relatives all around Russia, including countries that have since become independent eg Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus. But there was no-one in Far Eastern Russia, and so no family reunions were ever held there. Nonetheless I too would love to visit, via the Trans Siberian Railway.
Well done for your sister getting to the Hard Quiz. Most potential participants don't even get that far.
I preferred the 4 bunk cabins. I met Russian people that way and travelling alone I felt safer sharing with three others rather than just one other. Privacy was never an issue. There are unwritten rules of etiquette on these trains.
Helen, I don't know if the readers will find this book helpful.
Vladivostok: A Short History of Russian Rule in the East by Josh Wilson
Under the Soviets, growth and development continued with industrial, military, communication and transportation infrastructure being built. Vladivostok was declared a closed city in 1958 and only reopened in 1991. One of only 4 major seaports serving a gigantic country, Vladivostok has become a major commercial hub, mainly for goods brought from China, Japan and Korea, especially automobiles and ship building.
Rachel
totally understood. I was used to the Ghan, the Indian Pacific and Al Andalus Railways, where couples have a cabin to themselves. If we can ever travel again after covid, I will really be looking forward to booking on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Vladivostok (meaning - the Lord/Ruler of the East) and the Trans Siberian railway are a never- ending source of interest for many reasons.It's remote, It's Siberia, it's russian territory close to China and Japan; it offers something for anyone historically, geographically,culturally, politically.
Joe
many thanks for the reference. I had been particularly interested in Vladivostok's architecture, religious centres, immigration patterns etc. But that seems a bit limited, since the city was particularly important as a major industrial and commercial Pacific centre.
DUTA
I agree with you totally. Vladivostok's location and roles were unique, so even if a person is quite familiar with Russian and Chinese cities, they will find this coastal city fascinating.
I was already rapt in Harbin and Shanghai:
https://melbourneblogger.blogspot.com/2012/01/harbin-chinas-paris-of-orient.html and
https://melbourneblogger.blogspot.com/2011/04/jewish-shanghai-1850-1950-safe-haven.html
but my goodness, I had a lot to learn :)
Hi Hels - I've never been, but always wanted to visit - thanks for the tour and some of its history. It's a part of the world I'll need to read about and to see vicariously now - cheers Hilary
Hilary
I say that all the time... "it's a part of the world I'll need to read about and see". But I find that in 50 years of travelling, I end up each year in the same places. Not that is terrible, mind you; you cannot over-visit London, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Tel Aviv, New Delhi etc. However if it wasn't for blogging, I don't think Vladivostok would have appeared on my wish list.
Boa tarde minha querida amiga. Parabéns pelo seu trabalho e matéria. As fotos são incríveis e da vontade de ir nessa maravilhosa cidade. Bom início de semana.
I once had a friend who was a naval officer in Vladivostok . She is now nearly 80 an can't believe the changes that have happened going from a very secret militaristic base to a fairly open place . I understand that the Kamchatka Peninsula is an amazingly diverse area and not too far from Vladivostok,
Luiz
before Covid limited overseas travel, did you enjoy travelling to other continents? I hope you get to Vladivostok and surrounding cities.... post-pandemic.
mem
I wish I met your ex-naval officer friend before writing this post. Personal insights are usually very helpful.
It would be a pleasure to visit the Kamchatka Peninsula, 2500 ks to the north of Vladivostok, if you value arctic tundra landscapes, exotic wildlife and geological activity. But note that there is no direct transport option from Vladivostok.
MM she tends to be a rather taciturn character . I remember once years ago we were eating lunch on a Saturday and there was a James Bond movie on the TV that the kids were watching . She sat for a while watching it then slammed down her cup of tea on the table and yelled "Bloddy Americans" at the top of her voice and stormed out of the house. She has been an interesting experience for our family as she had SUCH a different life in Communist USSR . I get the impression that life was very tough for many and that "weakness" was not tolerated.
Good thing that Kamchatka is so far from everywhere . Lets hop there aren't and mineral reserves there !!
mem
yes! I love older peoples' personal memories but sometimes those memories can produce pain... and brutal memories can burst forth. My mother in law left Europe in 1951 and did not revisit for decades. In 1993 she was looking at the Danube River in Budapest and suddenly she "saw" streams of human blood turn the Danube bright red. In horror, she fled Budapest that very day, remembering her parents' and siblings' slaughter as if it happened in 1993.
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