Lomonosov, Russia

Lomonosov is a town in Russia, near the Gulf of Finland, about 40 kilometers west of Saint Petersburg. It used to be called Oranienbaum before 1948. Today, about 42,000 people live there.

The town is known for its beautiful 18th-century park and palace. During World War II, this place was special because it was one of the few palaces near Saint Petersburg that was not taken over by Nazi Germany. The park and palace are still important places for people to visit and learn about history.

History

Oranienbaum became a town in 1710. Its name means "orange tree" in German because of a beautiful palace there with special greenhouses. The town was near another famous palace called Peterhof.

During World War II, soldiers held their position there, which helped end a difficult siege. In 1948, the town was renamed Lomonosov to honor Mikhail Lomonosov, a famous scientist and glassmaker who started a glass factory nearby. People sometimes still call the town Oranienbaum.

Lomonosov can be reached by suburban train from St. Petersburg’s Baltic Terminal to Oranienbaum Station.

People from Oranienbaum

Lomonosov has been home to some well-known people. One is Igor Stravinsky, who lived from 1882 to 1971. He was a famous composer of modern classical music. Another is Aleksandr Mostovoi, who was a talented footballer.

International relations

Main article: List of twin towns and sister cities in Russia

Twin towns and sister cities

Lomonosov has friendly connections with several cities around the world. These include:

• Mariehamn, Åland, Finland
• Framingham, Massachusetts, United States
• Anacortes, Washington, United States
• Oberursel (Taunus), Hesse, Germany