Arkhangelsk history

The history of Arkhangelsk is deeply rooted in the exploration of the vast Russian North. Long before the city appeared on maps, settlements of brave Pomors flourished here at the mouth of the Northern Dvina. A key point of attraction was the Michael the Archangel Monastery, founded, according to some sources, as early as the 12th century by people from Novgorod. It was this abode that gave the future city its name and became its spiritual center. In 1584, by decree of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, a wooden fortress was erected near the monastery to protect trade routes. Initially, the settlement was called New City or Novokholmogory, but in 1613 the name "Arkhangelsk City" was secured, which eventually shortened to the modern Arkhangelsk.

Arkhangelsk owes its rapid growth to its unique geographical position. For a century and a half, it was Russia's only sea port through which trade with Europe was conducted. The establishment of trade relations with England in the mid-16th century turned it into a major international hub, with revenues constituting a significant part of the state treasury. A new page in the city's history was written by Peter the Great, who visited three times. It was in Arkhangelsk, by his decree, that the state Solombala Shipyard was founded, marking the beginning of the construction of merchant and military vessels. Here, the young tsar personally studied maritime affairs and laid the foundations of the future Russian fleet, turning the city into the true "cradle of shipbuilding."

From the very beginning, Arkhangelsk possessed a unique identity formed by its status as a port city and a center for northern exploration. The economy thrived on the export of timber, furs, hemp, and wax, and the famous Gostiny Dvory (Merchant Courts) were erected for trade needs. The city became the heart of the distinctive Pomor culture, and its inhabitants—descendants of Novgorodians and indigenous peoples—were renowned as skilled mariners and shipbuilders. For a long time, the urban development was predominantly wooden, and the craftsmanship of local carpenters amazed foreigners. Before the founding of St. Petersburg, it was Arkhangelsk that served as the main "window to Europe," introducing Russia to overseas goods and ideas while remaining the guardian of unique northern traditions.

Key Milestones in the History of Arkhangelsk

The history of Arkhangelsk is a chronicle of Russia's rise as a maritime power, the exploration of the North, and international trade. From a small fortress by a monastery to the "Gateway to the Arctic," the city has traveled a long and eventful path.

• 1584 — By decree of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, the wooden fortress of Novokholmogory is founded to protect trade routes, considered the official founding date of the city.
• 1613 — The city officially receives the name Arkhangelsk City in honor of the Michael the Archangel Monastery located here, later shortened to Arkhangelsk.
• 1668–1684 — The stone Gostiny Dvor is erected, a grandiose structure combining trade warehouses and defensive functions.
• 1693 — The first visit of Peter the Great takes place, marking the beginning of the city's transformation into a center of Russian state shipbuilding.
• 1694 — The first merchant ship built in Russia, "St. Paul," is launched at the Solombala Shipyard founded by Peter I.
• 1701 — The Novodvinsk Fortress is founded at the mouth of the Northern Dvina, playing an important role in defense against the Swedish fleet during the Great Northern War.
• 1762 — By decree of Catherine II, Arkhangelsk is granted equal trading rights with St. Petersburg, giving new impetus to its economic development.
• 1807–1813 — During the Continental Blockade of Great Britain, Arkhangelsk becomes Russia's only port for international trade.
• 1914 — A monument to Peter the Great is ceremoniously opened in the city, becoming one of the main symbols of Arkhangelsk.
• 1932 — The icebreaker "Alexander Sibiryakov," departing from Arkhangelsk, completes the Northern Sea Route in a single navigation for the first time in history.
• 1937 — Arkhangelsk becomes the administrative center of the newly formed Arkhangelsk Oblast.
• 1941–1945 — During the Great Patriotic War, the city served as one of the main ports for receiving cargo under the Lend-Lease program from the allies.
• 1984 — In honor of the 400th anniversary of its founding and for services to the country, Arkhangelsk is awarded the Order of Lenin.

Stages of Arkhangelsk's Development

The development of Arkhangelsk is inextricably linked with key events in the history of Russia. Each new century brought new roles to the city: from the country's main trading window to the center of Arctic exploration, shaping its unique economic and cultural appearance.

• Russia's First Sea Port. From its founding in 1584 and for a century and a half, Arkhangelsk was the only port connecting Russia with Western Europe. This turned it into a wealthy trading center, with revenues making up a significant part of the state treasury. During this period, the Gostiny Dvory were erected—a monumental complex combining trade and defense.
• Cradle of the Russian Fleet. The visits of Peter the Great in the late 17th century gave the city a powerful new impulse. By his decree, the Solombala Shipyard was founded here, beginning the construction of state military and merchant vessels. Arkhangelsk became a center of shipbuilding, laying the foundations for the future Russian Navy.
• "Sawmill Capital" of the Country. After the founding of St. Petersburg and the transfer of main trade there, Arkhangelsk found a new path of development. From the late 19th century, the city transformed into the country's largest center for sawmilling and timber export. The construction of a railway connecting the city with central Russia contributed to this economic rise.
• Gateway to the Arctic. Throughout its history, Arkhangelsk has served as a base for the exploration of the North. Numerous polar expeditions departed from here. In the Soviet era, this status was strengthened: in 1932, the icebreaker "Alexander Sibiryakov," leaving from Arkhangelsk, traversed the Northern Sea Route in one navigation for the first time. The city remains an important scientific and logistical center for Arctic research today.
• Strategic Port During Wars. During major conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars, Arkhangelsk became a port of strategic importance. Its role was especially prominent in 1941–1945 when it became one of the main points for receiving vital cargo from allies under the Lend-Lease program.
• Modern Cultural and Scientific Development. In the Soviet period, the city was actively built up, and new residential areas and industrial enterprises appeared. Today, Arkhangelsk is developing as a major scientific and educational center, home to the Northern (Arctic) Federal University. Special attention is paid to preserving unique cultural heritage, including monuments of wooden architecture, which shapes the modern look of the city.

The architectural appearance of Arkhangelsk is a multi-layered history reflecting all key stages of the city's development: from a wooden fortress to a major Soviet center. Each period has left its unique mark on the urban landscape, creating an eclectic yet harmonious space.

Wooden Architecture and First Stone Buildings (16th–18th Centuries)

Initially, Arkhangelsk was entirely wooden, like most cities of the Russian North. The skill of local carpenters was embodied in log houses, churches, and a powerful wooden fortress, which, unfortunately, has not survived. Today, ancient houses remind us of the traditions of wooden architecture; some of them were moved to Chumbarov-Luchinsky Avenue, creating a unique open-air museum. The first and most significant stone structure was the Gostiny Dvory (1668–1684)—a monumental complex combining trade warehouses with the defensive functions of a fortress. This structure, built by decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, clearly demonstrated the power and wealth of the country's main trading port.

Classicism and Regular Planning (Late 18th–19th Centuries)

The most important event for urban planning was the master plan approved in 1794. It introduced the principles of Classicism to Arkhangelsk with its regular layout, straight streets, and distinct blocks. This network of streets, parallel to the Northern Dvina embankment, still forms the basis of the city center. During this period, strict and elegant stone mansions, administrative buildings, and temples appeared. A vivid example of the architecture of that era, which has survived to this day, is the Lutheran Church of St. Catherine in the former German settlement. Many merchant estates, such as the Plotnikova Estate, also reflect the features of this style.

"Brick Style" and Art Nouveau (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)

The economic rise of Arkhangelsk as the "sawmill capital" led to a construction boom. The practical and decorative "Brick Style" began to dominate architecture, which manifested itself most clearly in industrial buildings, such as the A. Surkov brewery complex and the distillery. Simultaneously, elegant buildings in the Art Nouveau style appeared in the city, often in its "wooden" interpretation. Merchant mansions of this period, decorated with intricate carvings, bay windows, and turrets, demonstrated the wealth and taste of their owners.

Soviet Era: From Constructivism to Modernism (1920s–1980s)

The Soviet period radically changed the face of Arkhangelsk. In the 1920s and 1930s, buildings in the Constructivist style appeared, especially in new workers' settlements near sawmills. In the post-war years, this was replaced by the monumental Stalinist Empire style, striving for solemnity and grandeur. Ceremonial buildings with columns, porticos, and bas-reliefs adorned the central streets, for example, the Internal Affairs Directorate building and the "Mir" cinema. From the 1960s, after the visit of N. S. Khrushchev, the era of mass large-panel housing construction began, designed to solve the housing crisis. Entire micro-districts with standardized buildings appeared. The architectural dominant of the late Soviet period was the 24-story design organization building (1983)—the tallest skyscraper in the North, intended to become a new symbol of the city after the demolition of the Trinity Cathedral.

Remarkable Figures in the History of Arkhangelsk

The fate of Arkhangelsk is closely intertwined with the names of many outstanding figures whose talents and achievements have left a bright mark on the history of Russia. From reformers and scientists to artists and polar explorers, these people shaped the image and glory of the city at various stages of its development.

• Peter I the Great (1672–1725) — Emperor and reformer. Peter I visited Arkhangelsk three times and it was here that he laid the foundations of Russian state shipbuilding. By his decree, the Solombala Shipyard was founded, where he personally participated in the construction of ships, turning the city into the "cradle of the Russian fleet."
• Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov (1711–1765) — Great polymath scientist, poet, and enlightener. A native of the Arkhangelsk Governorate, Lomonosov began his path to science from Kholmogory, which forever linked his name with the Pomor region. His contributions to chemistry, physics, astronomy, and Russian literature are of global significance.
• Fedot Ivanovich Shubin (1740–1805) — An outstanding Russian sculptor, a major master of Classicism. Like Lomonosov, he came from Pomor peasants of the Arkhangelsk Governorate and became famous thanks to his talent. His sculptural portraits adorn the country's best museums today.
• Stepan Grigorievich Pisakhov (1879–1960) — A distinctive artist, writer, and storyteller. Born in Arkhangelsk, he dedicated his work to the Russian North. His famous tales, told on behalf of Senya Malina, became a true literary symbol of Pomor culture.
• Georgy Yakovlevich Sedov (1877–1914) — A brave polar explorer and hydrographer. His famous expedition to the North Pole on the schooner "Saint Martyr Foka" started from Arkhangelsk in 1912, emphasizing the city's role as the "Gateway to the Arctic."
• Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov (1904–1974) — Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union, Hero of the Soviet Union. A native of the Arkhangelsk Governorate, he led the USSR Navy during the Great Patriotic War. His decisions and orders played a key role in defending the country from the sea.