Plotinka, Heritage dam in Yekaterinburg, Russia
Plotinka is a dam with granite walls spanning the Iset River, creating a body of water that flows through the heart of Yekaterinburg. A pedestrian tunnel built in 1998 runs beneath Lenin Avenue, connecting both banks of the historical district.
Built in 1723 under Wilhelm de Hennin's direction, it supplied water power to the Yekaterinburg Iron Works and marked the city's foundation. The installation became the catalyst for the region's industrial expansion and settlement growth.
The square around the dam features museums and monuments that tell the story of the region's industrial past and architectural development. Visitors can see how this site remains central to how locals understand their city's origins in metalworking and trade.
The area around the dam is best explored on foot, with easy access to the pedestrian paths and viewing spots along the water. The tunnel beneath Lenin Avenue offers a convenient way to cross between both sides, and the surrounding district is walkable with plenty of space to move around.
The original larch wood foundation beneath the stone structure has survived for over 300 years, revealing the thoughtful engineering of early Russian industry. Few visitors realize this hidden layer demonstrates how builders solved durability problems with materials adapted to the harsh climate.
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