Name and Location

The Former Bugrovsky Lighthouse, also known as Бывший Бугровский маяк (Byvshiy Bugrovskiy Mayak), is a ruined coastal beacon located in the Kirovsky District of Leningrad Oblast, Russia. Its coordinates are 59°56′18″ N, 31°13′36″ E.

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was built during the Tsarist period, likely in the late 19th to early 20th century. The exact date of construction is unknown. It served as a navigational aid marking a shoal or promontory near Bugrovo (Bugrovsky), assisting coastal shipping into the Neva Bay. Although its decommissioning date is not documented, it has fallen into ruin and no longer serves navigational purposes.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture style is typical of Imperial Russian maritime aids – simple cylindrical or tapering plan, likely made of masonry or brick with plaster. Its height and focal height are unknown, but judging by the remaining ruins, it was possibly around 8-12 meters tall.

4. Light and Navigation

Unfortunately, information on the lighthouse's light characteristic, range, focal plane, and automation is not available. No modern AIS or radar systems were installed.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The site is accessible by car via road 41K-127 from Kirovsk or Oranienbaum, then on foot across coastal fields. Alternatively, visitors can reach the lighthouse by private boat from the Gulf of Finland. However, there are no formal visitor facilities or guided tours. The site is unguarded but overgrown; caution is advised.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features a low sandy-clay coast interspersed with reeds, small dunes, and pine groves. In clear weather, the lighthouse offers panoramic views across the Gulf of Finland toward Kotlin Island and Kronstadt.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Although no well-documented local legends or keeper stories survive, oral tradition hints at a lone keeper posted during World War I who maintained the lamp through ice and storm. However, this remains unverified.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse's technical details are largely unknown due to lack of documentation. Its condition is listed in OpenStreetMap as "ruins: yes," with only the lower portion of the tower and foundation walls visible above ground. No official heritage listing or active lighthouse authority involvement exists.

9. Further Information

For further information, consult the OpenStreetMap entry (way/115556700) for more details on the lighthouse's location and condition. The Russian State Historical Archive may hold archival plans related to maritime aids to navigation. Topographic Chart K-36-XX provides nautical context.