Discover Vsevolozhsk: Museums, History and Priyutino

• The Cat Museum opened in 2008 and is devoted entirely to cats. It describes itself as Russia’s first museum dedicated exclusively to this subject.
• From 1941 to 1944, aviators who defended Leningrad lived in the House of Aviators. The building is a regional heritage site.
• Almost 90 percent of the exhibition at the House of Aviators is presented using multimedia.
• The main house and park of the Priyutino Estate are heritage sites of federal significance; events held there include theatrical performances and classical concerts.

Opened in 2008, the Cat Museum is devoted exclusively to cats. If you’re interested in its unique focus, you’ll find a clearly defined museum theme here: the museum describes itself as Russia’s first dedicated solely to this subject. This sets it apart from the historical themes explored at the House of Aviators and Priyutino.

At the House of Aviators, the history of the building and the exhibition are intertwined. From 1941 to 1944, aviators who defended Leningrad lived here. The almost entirely multimedia presentation allows visitors to explore the exhibition independently. Scenarios include a military pilot bringing news from home and a view of the skies over Leningrad in September 1941. Visitors can also experience an attack on an enemy convoy of ships or reenact a combat mission to defend Leningrad’s skies.

Priyutino complements museum visits with an events program. The estate hosts theatrical performances, classical music concerts, and interactive programs for children and adults. The main house and park are heritage sites of federal significance. Both the historic estate and a changing program of events take center stage here. If you’re planning to visit for a particular performance or concert, check the event dates in advance.

The route described starts at Finland Station in Saint Petersburg and takes a train to Berngardovka station. From there, a 1.7-kilometer walk leads to the estate. Check the route before setting out, as directions may change. The train journey and the walk that follows are two separate parts of the trip.

For a look beyond Vsevolozhsk, Leningrad Oblast offers its own nature and cultural attractions. The Vepsian Forest Nature Park is in the far east of Leningrad Oblast and includes seven nature reserves with particularly strict conservation rules. There are numerous lakes; the largest is Lake Lerinskoye, in the reserve of the same name. The park’s special features include old spruce and pine forests in the “Vepsskiy Les” and “Aschchozyorskiy” reserves. These forests are vital to numerous organisms that can survive only in forests undisturbed by economic activity. The Veps, a small people of Russia with their own culture and traditions, have traditionally lived in the nature park.

Also in Leningrad Oblast is Koporye Fortress, a museum and monument of ancient Russian stone architecture. Parts of its masonry date back to the 13th century; the fortress has been preserved in its present form since the 16th century. It can be visited without a guide using the “Koporskaya Krepost 2.0” multimedia guide. Check its availability before planning your visit. Climbing the walls and towers is prohibited because they are in a state of emergency.

Discover more destinations: Pobeda, Pasha, Ladozhskoye Ozero, Nikiforovskoye, Belichye, Somino, Pulkovo, Svetogorsk.

What makes the Cat Museum in Vsevolozhsk stand out?

The museum opened in 2008, is devoted entirely to cats and describes itself as Russia’s first museum dedicated exclusively to this subject.

What interactive experiences does the House of Aviators offer?

You can explore the exhibition independently and experience historical scenarios, including the skies over Leningrad in September 1941 and a reenacted combat mission to defend them.

How do you get to the Priyutino Estate?

Take a train from Finland Station in Saint Petersburg to Berngardovka, then continue on foot for 1.7 kilometers. Check the route before you travel.

For the broader travel overview: Leningrad Oblast.