Constructed: 1825- 28
Location: Susaninskaya Square
Fire Observation Watchtower is a former fire protection watch tower located on North- West corner of Susaninskaya Square between Ulitsa (Street) Susaninskaya Ploschad and Ulitsa Tekstilschikov. It was built in 1825- 28 to keep an eye on most of Kostroma. Fire fighting teams would watch for any sight of fire in the city and rush in case they saw a sight of trouble.
Kostroma, like many Russian cities of the era, faced
frequent and devastating fires due to widespread wooden construction.
The need for a dedicated fire observation and response facility became
pressing in the early 19th century.
In the early 1820s, Kostroma
Governor Karl Ivanovich Baumgarten (1768–1831) initiated the project. He
issued a directive emphasizing that a proper watchtower ("kalancha")
would not only beautify the city but also protect residents from fire
hazards. He selected a site on Ekaterinoslavskaya Square (later
Susaninskaya Square), purchasing land from Captain Sumarokov as no other
suitable central location was available.
Provincial architect Pyotr
Ivanovich Fursov (Пётр Иванович Фурсов) developed the project drawings
and cost estimate in November 1823. These were approved in St.
Petersburg in April 1824. Construction began shortly after, with a
contract signed on May 3, 1824. The main structure was built in
1824–1825 by contractor A. Stepanov. Finishing work, including stucco
and decorative elements, continued until 1827, executed by teams of
plasterers under A. P. Temnov and Yaroslavl craftsmen S. S. Povyrznev
and S. F. Babakin.
The tower was completed around 1825–1828 (sources
vary slightly on exact years, but 1824–1827 is the most commonly cited
range). It was designed not merely as a utilitarian fire station but as
an architectural ensemble that elevated a functional building to the
level of a "palace."
Imperial Praise and 19th-Century Use
In
1834, during a visit to Kostroma, Emperor Nicholas I was highly
impressed, reportedly exclaiming, "Such a one I do not have even in St.
Petersburg!" This elevated the tower's reputation as the finest
provincial fire watchtower in Russia.
Throughout the 19th century, it
served its primary purpose: fire observation and response. In the 1870s,
architect N. N. Chernitsky added extensive side wings to house a full
fire depot. Minor modifications occurred in the 1880s (simplifying the
lantern), but 1950s restorations restored much of its original
appearance.
20th Century to Present
The tower continued
operational use well into the Soviet era and beyond. It housed fire
services for much of its history, with the regional fire protection
administration occupying it until relatively recently. In 2005, it was
transferred to the Kostroma State Historical-Architectural and Art
Museum-Reserve (Костромской музей-заповедник).
Today, it functions as
a cultural site:
Houses an interactive archaeological exhibition and
the museum's excursion bureau (tourist information center).
Part of
the broader museum complex on Susaninskaya Square, alongside the former
guardhouse (built 1823–1826 in matching style, now a military-historical
museum).
The lantern at the top is used for cellular antennas, but
climbing to the observation platform is generally not available to the
public.
It remains a key symbol of Kostroma and one of the
best-preserved examples of early 19th-century fire architecture in
Russia, often featured in lists of the country's most beautiful fire
towers.
Significance
The Fire Observation Watchtower
transformed a mundane necessity into a civic monument, reflecting the
era's emphasis on orderly urban planning under Catherine the Great's
influence (Kostroma's radial street layout) and Neoclassical ideals. It
embodies the blend of utility, imperial grandeur, and provincial pride
characteristic of Russian provincial architecture in the first half of
the 19th century. For visitors to the Golden Ring, it offers a striking
visual and historical highlight, evoking the firefighting history of old
Russian cities.
Governor Karl Ivanovich Baumgarten initiated the
project after devastating fires in the city. He aimed for a structure
that would both enhance the urban landscape and provide practical fire
surveillance. Provincial architect Petr Ivanovich Fursov designed it;
construction occurred primarily from 1824 to 1827 (with some sources
noting design work in 1823 and completion around 1825–1828).
The
building received high praise from Emperor Nicholas I during his 1834
visit to Kostroma. He reportedly exclaimed something to the effect of,
“I don’t have one like this in St. Petersburg!” This elevated its status
as one of the finest provincial fire towers in the Russian Empire.
Later modifications included side wings added in the 1870s (designed by
architect N.N. Chernitsky) to expand fire department facilities. The
lantern at the top was simplified in the 1880s but restored to its
original form in the 1950s. It functioned as an active fire station into
the late 20th century (until around 1981) and now forms part of the
Kostroma Museum-Reserve, housing a fire history exhibition, tourist
information center, and observation access.
Overall Design and
Style
The tower embodies late Classicism, drawing inspiration from
ancient Greek and Roman temples while adapting to a functional
fire-watch purpose. It transforms a utilitarian building into a
monumental “palace-like” ensemble, blending grandeur with practicality.
The total height reaches about 35 meters (making it the tallest civilian
structure in Kostroma before the 1917 Revolution).
The design
features a two-story base building that resembles a classical temple,
topped by a tall, elegant octagonal observation tower. This vertical
composition creates a strong visual hierarchy and serves as a
city-dominant landmark, especially after the 1930 destruction of a
nearby cathedral bell tower.
Base Building (Fire Station/Depot)
Facade and Portico: The main facade follows the form of an ancient
temple with a prominent six-column portico. The columns feature Ionic
capitals (scroll-like volutes). A high triangular pediment crowns the
portico, with a double-headed eagle (symbol of the Russian Empire) at
its center.
Wall Decorations: Behind the columns, the facade includes
round rose windows (rosettes). The overall proportions emphasize
symmetry, harmony, and monumentality typical of Classicism.
Interior
Layout: The spacious two-story structure originally housed living
quarters for staff and firefighters, guard rooms, stables for horses,
and sheds for water barrels and equipment. Side wings added later
expanded these facilities.
Materials and Finish: Traditional brick
construction with plaster and decorative elements (including work by
Yaroslavl sculptors and plasterers). The yellow-painted facade enhances
its bright, eye-catching presence on the square.
The Observation
Tower (Kalancha Proper)
This is the most distinctive and artistically
refined part, often described as a standalone work of art due to its
intricate detailing.
Structure: An octagonal (eight-sided) tower
rises from the base. It appears light and almost lace-like (ажурная)
despite its height, thanks to full coverage with fine rustication
(small, textured stone-like blocks on the surface).
Base Transition:
The tower “grows” from an octagonal base/platform surrounded on four
sides by small Tuscan-order porticos (simpler Doric-like columns without
elaborate capitals). This creates a graceful transition and adds
rhythmic architectural layering.
Upper Lantern (Fonarn): The tower
culminates in an openwork or gazebo-style lantern with a surrounding
walkway/balcony. This served as the watchmen’s observation post,
offering panoramic views for spotting fires across the city. It
originally included signaling devices (e.g., lanterns or balls to
indicate fire location and direction). The lantern’s delicate design
contributes to the tower’s elegant silhouette.
Functional and
Engineering Aspects
Fire Surveillance: Positioned at the city center,
the 35-meter height allowed watchmen to monitor nearly all of Kostroma.
Fire teams could respond quickly.
Signaling: Historical systems
included visual signals from the lantern to alert residents and
brigades.
Durability: Well-engineered for its time; it withstood
centuries of use and later adaptations (e.g., modern cellular antennas
in the lantern).
Current Role and Significance
Today, the Fire
Tower is a federal cultural heritage site and a beloved symbol of
Kostroma (often called one of Russia’s most beautiful fire towers).
Visitors can explore the fire-fighting museum (with antique equipment,
helmets, pumps, and historical documents), climb toward the observation
area for city views, and use the tourist info center. Recent
restorations have refreshed its facades to highlight original Classicist
details.