Abstract
The increased interest of investors to the territories of Kronstadt makes the risk of the city identity impairment more and more justified. Local communities note that the development of Kotlin Island as a tourist center may distroy the cultural and social landscape of Kronstadt. All transformations are proposed within the framework of the concept of “sustainable development”. However, how many of such transformations Kronstadt can afford to keep its integrity? The man-made landscape of Kotlin Island and forts, a unique defensive system that has protected St. Petersburg since 1704 are becoming increasingly vulnerable as Kronstadt finds itself in the focus of investment projects. In this regard, studying the specifics of the formation of Kronstadt and the Kronstadt forts seems very relevant.