Pulkovo Observatory

Standing here atop Pulkovo Hill, seventy-five meters above sea level, you are positioned on the historic shoreline of the ancient Baltic Sea. More importantly, you are at the birthplace of professional astronomy in Russia. …

As we approach the main building, admire the elegant symmetry of its Neoclassical facade. Alexander Brullov’s design was revolutionary for its time, creating a 'temple of science' that featured specialized towers for telescopes…

We now enter the Round Hall, the literal and symbolic heart of the Pulkovo Observatory. In the center of the floor, you will find a small brass marker or 'peg.' Starting in the mid-nineteenth century, all geographical maps of the…

Passing through the Round Hall, we enter the Meridian Hall. Look up at the ceiling and you will see long, narrow slits or 'chinks.' These were designed to open up to the night sky, allowing astronomers to use meridian…

Continuing our tour outside to one of the detached pavilions, we encounter the 26-inch Refracting Telescope. This massive instrument, essentially a giant pair of binoculars, is one of the largest of its kind in the world. …

As we walk through the wooded park surrounding the main buildings, we see various smaller domes and specialized structures. One of the most significant is the Solar Telescope, used to study the physics of our closest star. …

Our final section brings us to the museum rooms located within the main complex. Here, the history of Pulkovo is laid out in fascinating detail, from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. …

As we conclude our tour of the Pulkovo Observatory, take a moment to look out once more from the hill. Below you lies St. …