Petrohrad-Josefov
Continuing with the suburbs of Petrohrad, today we'll visit Petrohrad-Josefov. This suburb is located in the northwestern part of the Municipality of Petrohrad and was annexed to it in 1963. The town of Josefov is fairly recent, compared to most other places in the Empire, and was founded in 1663 under the reign of Emperor Josef III (that's why it is called Josefov 
). It occupies the site of a much older village, probably dating back to the XIIIth century. Josefov was constructed in 1663-1669 as a fortified town to protect the city of Petrohrad from a siege from the north. Together with the town also a fort was constructed. These fortifications have survived unchanged to this day, except for the town gates which were demolished in the XIXth century, and are one of the most complete and interesting in the Empire.
We'll start, of course, in the town center. It has a symmetrical layout and as you can see the fortifications are impressive. On the main square the Church of the Virgin Mary.
Next stop is the fort. The army remained in the fort until 1871. In the same year the fort was given to the town of Josefov, most of the original buildings demolished and turned into a urban park. The views down from the earthen walls are stunning. The park is especially popular during the weekends (as you can see ).
When the army left Josefov in 1871, it was finally allowed to built outside of the fortifications. Here a view of the XIXth century layout of the town.
Another view of the XIXth century layout. Also visible the monastery (white building on top), the sole survivor of the original village before the massive fortifications were built.
The Petrohrad-Josefov train station (to the right) and some industrial buildings. To the left the largest church of Josefov, the church of st. Augustine, built in 1887-1888.
When the town was annexed to Petrohrad in 1963 several housing projects were built and the town greatly expanded. It was also connected to the city center of Petrohrad by a tramway. Here some views of the more "modern" Josefov.
Despite the rapid expansion of Josefov after 1963 some parts of it remain rural.
Finally, the usual overview . Clearly visible are the fortifications and to the left the former fort. Hope to see you again in one of the next visits of Petrohrad.
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