Visiting Yekaterinburg and not seeing the dam on the Iset River means missing an important part of the city. Locals and visitors affectionately call it "plotinka." It is the main attraction of Yekaterinburg, impressing with its uniqueness and grandeur. The dam is considered one of the oldest in Russia among similar structures.

The Yekaterinburg dam simultaneously regulates the flow of the Iset, creates an urban pond, and serves as a bridge for both pedestrians and vehicles. It attracts with its picturesque view, which has often inspired Ural artists. On warm summer evenings, it is always crowded: people come to socialize and enjoy the atmosphere.

The history of Yekaterinburg began with this dam. Ural local historians call it the "heart" of the city, as the life of Yekaterinburg began with its construction.

In the early 18th century, Emperor Peter I became interested in the Ural lands for state needs. Assessing the region's wealth, he decided to build an ironworks on the banks of the Iset. Vasily Nikitich Tatischev, a close associate of Peter and known as the first author of the "History of Russia," was appointed head of the mining factories and proposed to build a dam on the Iset that would also serve as a bridge. However, his idea did not receive immediate support due to a conflict with the Demidov industrialists. Ultimately, by Peter I's decree, engineer Georg Wilhelm de Genin was sent to resolve the situation. He confirmed that Tatischev was a competent manager, and the construction of the dam became relevant. De Genin actively participated in its construction.

For the construction, Ural larch, known for its strength, was used. The work was led by master Leonty Zlobin. The dam was launched in 1723. It provided energy not only for the ironworks but also for a stone-cutting factory and a mint. The day of the dam's opening, November 18, became the birthday of the city. Tatischev and de Genin are called the "fathers" of Yekaterinburg, and a monument to these figures was erected in the city center.

In the mid-19th century, the dam was reconstructed according to the project of architect Malakhov. It was widened and decorated with granite, and a stone wall with bas-reliefs was added. Nearby, monuments to the founders of the city and busts of Peter the Great and Catherine II appeared. However, after the revolution, the busts of the tsars were destroyed. During the Soviet era, monuments to writers Pavel Bazhov and Dmitry Mamin-Sibiryak were installed on the dam.

In the 20th century, for the city's 250th anniversary, the dam was transformed again. On the site of the former factory, a memorial complex "Historical Square" was created, housing a museum of architecture and design. In 1998, for the 275th anniversary, the dam was reinforced with reinforced concrete slabs and a pedestrian crossing was built. The upper part was turned into a square, and nearby a rhodonite stone with a charter was installed.

Today, the dam is no longer used for energy production but remains a cultural heritage. It connects the Iset with the urban pond and adorns the historic square. It is a favorite place for relaxation for both locals and tourists. In summer, people ride horses and pedal boats, and in winter, they stroll across the frozen pond. Concerts, festivals, and fairs often take place here. In the evening, one can see a musical fountain show. The bust of Peter I, destroyed after the revolution, has been restored and is located on the factory grounds.