Tolbukhin Lighthouse

Russia Post released a stamp to celebrate 300 years of Tolbukhin Lighthouse on 13th August 2019.

The Tolbukhin lighthouse is installed on an artificial island at the tip of the Kotlinskaya Spit, which extends northwest of Kotlin Island. This is one of the oldest lighthouses in Russia. The construction of the lighthouse began in 1719 by order of Peter I. The construction of the wooden lighthouse was completed on August 7, 1719. At first it was called Kotlinsky, but in 1736 in honor of Colonel Tolbukhin Fedot Semenovich, the first commandant of Kronstadt, the lighthouse was renamed Tolbukhin. Fedot Semenovich distinguished himself in the defense of Kotlin during the Northern War.

First, candles were lit in the lighthouse lantern, hemp oil was used from 1723, but this did not give the proper brightness. Following the example of the Gogland lighthouse, a lantern was installed in which coal and firewood were burned. The stone tower was erected in the autumn of 1810. A 12-faced lantern with 24 silver reflectors was installed on it; a lantern was lit by 40 oil lamps. A guard house was built near the tower. In 1833, the house was built on the second floor, a gallery was built connecting the house with a tower to service the lighthouse in stormy conditions and during floods.

The Tolbukhin Lighthouse is an important landmark in this part of the Gulf of Finland. His light is visible at a distance of 19 miles. On the beam of the lighthouse begins the Great Kronstadt raid. The Tolbukhin lighthouse is included as a monument in UNESCO World Heritage.