Nikolskaya Sopka

Nikolskaya Sopka (Russian: Никольская сопка) is a low hill right in the centre of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, on the shore of Avacha Bay, bordering the city's historic core. Since 1983 the hill has held the status of a natural monument. For the city's residents it is both a viewpoint over the bay and the place where, in 1854, the fate of the city was decided during the Siege of Petropavlovsk.

History

Settlement here began long before the events of the 19th century: in 1739 navigator Ivan Yelagin built a landing, dwellings and storehouses at the foot of the hill for the Second Kamchatka Expedition — this was the start of what became Petropavlovsk.

The hill's main page in history is tied to August 1854. During the Crimean War an Anglo-French squadron landed a force of more than 700 men at Petropavlovsk, which was opposed by about 300 defenders of the city. The main fighting took place on the slopes of Nikolskaya Sopka and the adjoining Signalny Cape. On the isthmus between the hill and Signalny Cape stood Battery No. 3, commanded by Alexander Maksutov; on the hill's northern slopes stood Battery No. 7, commanded by V. Koralov. The defenders repelled the assault, and the siege was lifted.

Monuments

The slopes and summit of the hill still hold the memory of that defense. On the eastern slope, at the site of a mass grave, a chapel was built in 1912: to its right lie 35 defenders of Petropavlovsk, to its left 38 English and French sailors. Nearby on the slope stands the "Glory" monument topped with an Orthodox cross. About two hundred metres from it, in 1954, a monument decorated with a cast-iron cannon was erected for the centenary of the siege. On the isthmus between the hill and Signalny Cape stands another monument with cast-iron cannons — the original wooden gun mock-ups were replaced with cast iron in 1967.

Park and viewpoint

Today Nikolskaya Sopka is a popular place for city residents to spend their free time. In 2018–2019 the park on the hill underwent a major renovation: new paths and viewpoints appeared, offering views of Avacha Bay and the volcanoes around the city. Locals often call the hill "Sopka of Love" because of its quiet, shaded avenues and views that draw strolling couples.

Getting there

The hill is located in the centre of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, next to the "Akademiya Biatlona" public transport stop, a few minutes' walk from the park on the hill. The nearby city sights — Signalny Cape and the historic city centre — are within easy walking distance.