Fort Alexander I
A historic fort and former plague research lab, undergoing restoration to become a luxury hotel with a cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for viewing
Fort Alexander I
Best Time
Pleasant weather for viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic fort and former plague research lab, undergoing restoration to become a luxury hotel with a cable car.
"Magnificent and gloomy, its granite masonry is hard to imagine being built 170 years ago. "
View from the Water
Catch glimpses of the fort from a boat tour or the pier for now. :boat:
Future Hotel Plans
Anticipate a 5-star hotel opening in 2025 with a cable car connection. :hotel:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Granite Masonry
Exterior walls
Marvel at the impressive, centuries-old granite construction, a testament to its historical engineering.
Unique Semicircular Design
Overall structure
Admire its distinctive semicircular shape with two prominent round towers, setting it apart from other forts.
Views from the Pier
Adjacent pier
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the fairway and neighboring forts from the nearby pier.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Restoration & Future Plans
Historical Significance & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
View from the Water
Catch glimpses of the fort from a boat tour or the pier for now. :boat:
Future Hotel Plans
Anticipate a 5-star hotel opening in 2025 with a cable car connection.
Historical Context
Learn about its past as a plague lab and defensive structure. :scroll:
Photography Spot
The pier offers great photo opportunities of the fort and surrounding waters. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
View from the Water
Catch glimpses of the fort from a boat tour or the pier for now. :boat:
Future Hotel Plans
Anticipate a 5-star hotel opening in 2025 with a cable car connection.
Historical Context
Learn about its past as a plague lab and defensive structure. :scroll:
Photography Spot
The pier offers great photo opportunities of the fort and surrounding waters. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by Fort Alexander I's majestic and gloomy appearance, particularly its unique semicircular design and impressive granite masonry. While currently undergoing restoration and not fully accessible, its historical significance as a plague research laboratory and its future as a hotel with a cable car are points of great interest. The views from the pier are also highly praised.
"Fort Alexander 1 (Chumny) is very different in appearance from all the other forts of Kronstadt. It has a semicircular shape with two round towers on the front side. Majestic and gloomy. A plague research laboratory was once set up here and experiments on animals were conducted. The fort is currently being restored."
Olсеn
"Fort Emperor Alexander I, or Plague Fort.
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The first multi-tiered casemate-type fort in the Russian Empire was built in 1845, and has retained its main architectural features to this day.
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During the Crimean War of 1853-56, it performed a defensive function and was on the front line.
Despite its power, the fort practically did not participate in the hostilities taking place near Kronstadt.
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In 1890, Russia's first research center was opened in St. Petersburg - the Imperial Institute of Experimental Medicine (IIEM). The founder and trustee of the institute was Prince A.P. Oldenburgsky. At the War Ministry, he received Fort Alexander I, which was taken out of state for these purposes. Vaccines against plague, tetanus, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery were developed and tested here.
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During the years of the revolution, the Laboratory ceased to exist, and since 1923 the fort became a storage facility for mine-sweeping equipment.
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In the 20th century, various music festivals were held here more than once.
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Now Fort Emperor Alexander I is included in the program for the development of the new urban cluster Island of Forts in Kronstadt. Opening after restoration is planned for 2025"
Jeany witch
"I liked this fort the most! Magnificent granite masonry. It's hard to imagine how it was processed and built 170 years ago. Excursions to the fort territory are not yet allowed. The fort was handed over to the Military for safekeeping. But even wandering around the walls is already cool, and you can take great photos from the pier."
Михаил Долженков
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Currently, Fort Alexander I is best viewed from the water or the pier. Access to the fort itself is restricted due to ongoing restoration. Plans include a cable car from Kronstadt after 2025.
Direct car access to the fort is not possible due to its island location and current restoration status. Viewing from the Kronstadt shoreline or a boat tour is recommended.
Yes, boat tours often pass by Fort Alexander I, offering a good vantage point for photos and appreciating its exterior.
The most accessible way is to view it from the pier or take a boat tour around the island.
Yes, a cable car is planned to connect Fort Alexander I to Kronstadt, making access much easier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, the fort is not open for public tours due to restoration. Tickets will likely be required once it reopens as a hotel and attraction.
The fort is currently closed for public access as it is undergoing restoration. It is scheduled to reopen in 2025.
The fort is slated to reopen in 2025, following extensive restoration and the development of new facilities.
An entrance fee is expected once the fort reopens, especially with the planned hotel and amenities. Details will be announced closer to the opening date.
Public access to the fort grounds is currently restricted due to ongoing restoration work.
📸 📸 Photography
The pier offers excellent vantage points for capturing the fort's exterior and the surrounding seascape.
Drone usage may be restricted due to ongoing construction and its proximity to military areas. Check local regulations before flying.
Architectural photography highlighting the granite masonry and unique design, as well as landscape shots from the pier, are popular.
Currently, interior access is not permitted. Once reopened, specific photography rules within the hotel and public areas will apply.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the fort.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
It served as a defensive fort during the Crimean War and later housed Russia's first plague research laboratory from 1899 to 1917.
It's a multi-tiered casemate-type fort, notable for its semicircular shape and robust granite construction.
The fort's blueprint was designed by Russian military engineer General Louis Barthelemy Carbonnier d'Arsit de Gragnac.
Vaccines against plague, tetanus, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery were developed and tested on animals.
While it was handed over to the military for safekeeping, its future use includes a hotel and public attraction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye on its 2025 reopening for a more family-friendly experience. For now, viewing it from a boat tour can be an engaging way to introduce kids to historical landmarks. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Fort's Transformation: From Defense to Research
Within its walls, groundbreaking research took place. Scientists developed and tested vaccines for devastating illnesses like plague, cholera, and typhoid. This era transformed the fort from a military stronghold into a vital hub for public health innovation. After the revolution, its scientific role diminished, and it later served as a storage facility for mine-sweeping equipment.
Today, Fort Alexander I is undergoing a significant transformation. Included in the 'Island of Forts' development program, it's being restored with plans to become a luxury 5-star hotel and restaurant. This ambitious project aims to preserve its historical essence while creating a modern tourist destination, complete with a planned cable car connection to Kronstadt.
Navigating Access and Viewing
The most common and recommended way to see the fort is from the water. Boat tours operating in the Kronstadt area often include a pass by Fort Alexander I, providing excellent photo opportunities and a sense of its scale. Alternatively, visitors can view the fort from the nearby pier, which offers scenic vistas of the structure and the surrounding Gulf of Finland.
Looking ahead, the future promises much easier access. The planned restoration includes the development of a cable car system that will connect Fort Alexander I directly to Kronstadt. This, along with its transformation into a hotel, means that by 2025, visitors should be able to explore the fort extensively.
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