The Baltic Station in St. Petersburg is the first private railway project in Russia, the site of two major disasters, and one of the centers of revolutionary events. It is enveloped in a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of Paris.

Despite modernization, the spirit of the 19th century still lingers here, attracting photographers from around the world. Perhaps it is not only the architecture but also the legendary mystique of the Obvodny Canal.

In the mid-19th century, shortly after the end of the Crimean War, two Russian barons, Yevgeny von Feileisen and Alexander von Stieglitz, began the construction of a private railway in St. Petersburg. The line they envisioned connected Peterhof and St. Petersburg, where the station, originally called the Peterhof Station, was built between 1855 and 1857. It served short-distance trains, primarily for the royal family's trips to the suburbs.

The station's design was developed by Alexander Ivanovich Krakau, inspired by the Paris Eastern Station. He created a building with two wings, stained glass windows, and a glass roof over the platforms. The central stained glass window of the station features a clock from the company 'Pavel Bure,' which was the official supplier to the Imperial Court.

On July 21, 1857, the first train departed from the station's platform, arriving at its final destination in 1 hour and 10 minutes. In 1872, the station was renamed 'Baltic' when the first train arrived from Revel (now Tallinn). Over time, the railway developed, and in 1907, the government purchased the private line, making it state-owned.

In 1917, the Baltic Station became an important strategic object occupied by the Red Guards. The Provisional Government attempted to regain control, but the workers of the Putilov factory helped the revolutionaries achieve victory.

In 1932, the station was reconstructed: the railway tracks were removed from under the dome, and a passenger hall was built in place of the platforms. The entrance was now located in the center rather than on the sides. In 1933, the first electric train departed from the station.

The opening of the metro station on November 15, 1955, changed the appearance of the station. A pavilion in the style of Stalinist classicism was added to its left wing, disrupting the symmetry of the building. A similar extension was planned for the right side, but it was never built. The new pavilion closed several light windows and part of the stained glass.

The Baltic Station is connected to the Railway Museum, located in the former depot. The museum is considered the largest in Europe and showcases the history of locomotive construction.

The square in front of the station has also undergone changes. In 1919, a bust of Auguste Blanqui was installed here, but it was soon removed. In the mid-20th century, a monument to Stalin appeared, but it also stood for a short time. Before the war, there was a tram ring in the square, which was dismantled after the war.

The Baltic Station is also known for transportation disasters. The first occurred in the late 19th century due to a collision of trains in fog. The second happened on November 11, 2002, when an electric train spontaneously moved from its place and crashed into the passenger area. The cause was human error, but many associated it with the curse of the Obvodny Canal.

Today, the Baltic Station does not serve long-distance trains, but it provides access to the Peterhof area, Oranienbaum, Gatchina, and other places. The station ranks second in the city in terms of passenger traffic and is one of the first in Russia. In 2003, it was renovated, and turnstiles were installed.

The Baltic Station has preserved the spirit of the time and old architecture. Here, one can see stained glass windows and carriage ramps, as well as photograph the vaulted roof over the former platform. Because of this, the station is popular among photographers in St. Petersburg.