Such a unique and unique Vitebsk railway station

Vitebsk railway station is the oldest in Russia. Its history dates back to the beginning of the modern era. And the appearance itself has changed many times. Originally, the station was intended to be built on the left bank of the Fontanka River. However, soon the project was changed due to the presence of private warehouses located in this territory, and because of the possible crossing of the Zagorodny Prospekt, which already at that time had a very busy movement of pedestrians and crews. To implement the project, a new site was used, which was located near the Semenovskiy Platz (modern Pioneer Square). It was allocated free of charge by the city authorities.

The first station was erected in 1837 for a railway linking St. Petersburg and Tsarskoe Selo. One-storey building of wood - the creation of an unknown architect - stood for a short time. The structure of stone was built in 1952 by the architect K.A. It existed in tone until the beginning of the 20th century. Then the railway line was extended to Belarus, the railway station was enlarged. Vitebsk and gave the name of the object. Despite the fact that the road subsequently stretched beyond this city, the object in question is called so and now.

In 1876 the station underwent a reconstruction, which was carried out according to the project of M.L. Bernatsky. During the works, the railroad was made double-track, thus increasing the passenger flow. After two reconstructions, the old building was dismantled, and in its place a modern Vitebsk railway station (St. Petersburg) was built. The reconstruction project was designed by the architects S.A. Brzhozovsky and S.I. Minash. Officially Vitebsk railway station was opened on August 1, 1904.

An important feature of the new structure is the considerable number of metal structures. The Art Nouveau style is characterized by the smoothness of the exterior lines and the artistic decoration of the balconies. Vitebsk railway station, whose building consists of a facade with a semicircular crossing, has a number of towers with a clock and a landing stage. Modern is typical in all the executed details. On the balconies there is a forged ornament, and the vestibule is crowned with a dome made of metal.
The main staircase of the station is made of marble and highlights the whole monumentality of the building. Openwork visors, located above the numerous entrances to the station, are made according to original individual projects.

The building with unusual architecture and technical innovations became the embodiment of progressive changes. Thanks to the fact that the embankment with rails after the reconstructions was raised to a height of five meters, the trains at this unique station come to the second floor. Currently, long-distance trains and commuter trains are serviced here. Vitebsk railway station includes 5 platforms and 8 tracks. For passengers, there is a comfortable rest in waiting rooms with equipped storage rooms. The main destinations are the countries of Western Europe and such cities as Kaliningrad, Velikiye Luki, Pskov, Vitebsk, Smolensk.