Petrovsky Dock in Kronstadt, one of the oldest hydraulic structures, was laid down during the reign of Peter the Great, the founder of Kronstadt and the Northern capital. The construction of the dock was completed after the death of the first Russian emperor.

Peter the First personally ordered the start of the dock's construction, understanding that Kronstadt, as an international port, needed a full-fledged dock. According to his plan, ships from the Gulf of Finland were to pass through a canal into the dock, where the locks would close, and the water would flow down into a basin located below. Then the water was pumped out to the sea using windmills and horse machines. The emperor aimed for the lock to be drained quickly, rather than taking 1-2 months as in Europe.

Construction began in 1719 and was planned to be completed in three years. More than 3,000 people, mainly soldiers, were involved in the construction. However, a shortage of materials and the need to relocate structures delayed the process. By 1722, the canal in Kronstadt was mostly laid out, and work began on reinforcing its walls. Peter the First did not live to see the completion of his project. The grand opening took place on July 30, 1752, under Elizabeth Petrovna, Peter's youngest daughter, who personally launched the lock mechanisms.

For the 18th century, this was a monumental structure: the length of Petrovsky Dock was 2.24 kilometers. In 1774, a steam engine was brought from Scotland, which allowed water to be pumped out of the basin in just 9 days. This technical marvel served for 75 years before becoming outdated due to technological advancements.

Today, most of the structures of Petrovsky Dock are in a dilapidated state; however, part of this unique hydraulic facility functioned until 2008. Now the dock is a historical monument, and its structures, even after three hundred years, continue to inspire admiration.