Toksovo

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Toksovo (Russian: Токсово) is an urban-type settlement in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, situated twenty kilometers to the north-east of St. Petersburg.

[edit] History

It was first mentioned in chronicles in 1500. Izhorians had a village there at least 100–150 years earlier. In 1583, after the Russo-Swedish War it became Swedish. In 1708, since Great Northern War the townlet became Russian. In the 19th century the region became a ski resort and a dacha place, known as Finnish Switzerland. In 1920–1936, it is the administrative center of Finnish National Raion with Finnish being the official language. In 1937, a large ski ramp was build in Toksovo. In 1937–1939 during Great Purge Rzhevsky artillery range was the main NKVD place of execution. In 1942, during the Siege of Leningrad all Finns and Izhorians were deported from the townlet and the region. During Siege of Leningrad an important radar station was operated near the townlet. In 1953, after the Joseph Stalin's death, Finns and Izhorians were allowed to return. In 1974, Wisent farm started in the townlet. In 1995, the first Orthodox church was built in Toksovo. In 2000, Toksovan Sanomat, a Finnish Language newspaper, began its printing. In 2002, at the place of Koirangakangas near Toksovo the Memorial society found a secret grave with remains of 30,000 people executed by the NKVD, among them are most probably philosopher Pavel Florensky and other prominent people. In 2003, a stage of World Ski Cup was held in the townlet. Currently the townlet is a ski and tourist resort and a dacha place. Famous for its forests and lakes.