Resort Alleys on the Baltic Sea Southern Coast in the 19th Century
In the beginning of the 17th century, the significance of planting increased in European cities. In the 18th century according to Western Europe models the first public gardens and alleys of Dutch linden-trees were implemented in provincial towns across the Russian Empire. In the first half of the 19th century natural recourses such as sea water and mud were started to be used in healing. Resorts with appropriate buildings for medical treatments and relaxation were made on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Resort-towns were developed in Prussia near the port Königsberg, Memel and Dancig. In Russia... Mehr ...
In the beginning of the 17th century, the significance of planting increased in European cities. In the 18th century according to Western Europe models the first public gardens and alleys of Dutch linden-trees were implemented in provincial towns across the Russian Empire. In the first half of the 19th century natural recourses such as sea water and mud were started to be used in healing. Resorts with appropriate buildings for medical treatments and relaxation were made on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Resort-towns were developed in Prussia near the port Königsberg, Memel and Dancig. In Russia the development of health resorts was given national significance: the planning of Haapsalu and port of Libau (now Liepāja) and Pärnu was supplemented with resort areas. In Russia the first railway line Saint-Petersburg–Warsaw was opened. Railway traffic contributed to the growth of health resorts and led to urban transformations in cities. Areas of natural greenery decreased but were supplemented by man-made cultivated parks, roadside, alleys and promenades for walking, which provided a functional link between the greenery and areas of various significance, uniting parks and squares in one system. Resort alleys with their seemingly humdrum planting became not only a component of the natural landscape, but also create contrasts of colors, forms and lines; those have been studied insufficiently. The aim and the basic methods of the research is to determine the most typical features of alleys in each health resort on the Baltic Sea Southern coast in the 19th century, using the method of field-work and photo fixation, inspection alleys in nature, comparisons and analysis of archival materials of the 19th century urban planning. Study results shows the impact of health resort structures and greeneries on urban planning and landscape, where alley as planting of rhythmically arranged elements took the most important place in eclectical urban landscape and functionality of urban green system in the 19th century.