On this seemingly small piece of land, in all its diversity, with all its ups and downs, the history of the Russian state, starting from the time of Peter the Great, has been reflected. Every corner of Vasilyevsky Island is literally saturated with the spirit of those glorious years. Peter the Great, admiring the beauty of these places, even wanted to create a kind of Venice here, but the emperor's plan was not destined to come true due to a number of objective circumstances.
Vasilyevsky Island really very interesting, unusual place. Even if you set foot on its land for the first time, you will never get lost: the linear layout is impeccable, and this ingenious simplicity cannot but delight. It's like no other area northern capital full of myths and mysteries. It is often referred to as "the island unsolved mysteries”, behind the veil of which tourists are trying to look, in large numbers coming here from Russia itself and other countries of the world.
The beauty, uniqueness and attractive power of Vasilyevsky Island is reflected in many works. Suffice it to recall the immortal lines of Joseph Brodsky: “I don’t want to choose either a country or a churchyard. I will come to Vasilyevsky Island to die. I won’t find your dark blue facade in the dark, I’ll fall on the asphalt between the faded lines.
Pavilion 6 "Lenexpo"
History and modernity
In ancient times, when chronicles were not compiled yet, there were pagan temples on this territory, where the Magi performed rituals of worshiping pagan gods and magical rites. It was in the local forests, it seems, that the legendary Finn comprehended witchcraft, which - remember? - helped Ruslan save Lyudmila from the spell of Naina and Chernomor. Vasilyevsky Island somehow attracted all sorts of mysterious and dark personalities who rushed here after the founding of St. Petersburg. Basically, they were magicians, sorcerers and soothsayers of all stripes.
Until 1715, the area was practically not built up. At the beginning of the XVIII century, its western side was turned into a real cemetery of the first builders of the Northern capital. Unable to withstand inhuman working conditions, they died by the hundreds and thousands, and this page is perhaps the most unattractive in the entire history of the island. Later, the Smolensk cemetery was founded on this site. The island itself was called the Smolensk field. Only by name is not a cemetery, but the Smolenka River.
The first solid building was built here in 1710-1720, and right on the banks of the Neva. They became the well-known Menshikov Palace today, which became the first stone building in the whole new capital. It was built specifically for Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, a favorite of Peter I and the first governor-general of St. Petersburg. Note, by the way, that he became the first Russian nobleman who received the title of duke from the tsar.
Wind sawmills were installed on the famous Vasilyevsky Strelka. Prior to that, there was an Artillery battery here, blocking the entire river navigable fairway with the guns of the St. Petersburg Admiralty. Later, the island of Kotlin (the city of Kronstadt) was made the center of naval defense.
The idea of Peter the Great to turn the island into the "Venice of the North" was embodied in projects developed in 1716, 1718 and 1720 by the famous architect Domenico Trezzini. The subsequent development was based on the network of parallel canals (streets) and avenues crossing them, planned by the Italian. Subsequently, the creation of canal streets was abandoned, but the streets themselves are commonly called lines.
East End Vasilyevsky Island became the focus of the main buildings: both residential and public. They were also erected not far from the Bolshaya Neva embankment. The most famous buildings built at that time were the buildings of the Academy of Sciences, the Twelve Collegia and the Kunstkamera. In 1737, the island was first assigned to the Vasilyevsky part of the city, and then, on September 15, a separate Vasileostrovsky district of St. Petersburg was formed. In the 30s of the XVIII century, the port of St. Petersburg moved here. This “housewarming” predetermined, as it were, further, larger-scale development of the territory.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Strelka area became an important architectural ensemble. In addition to the capital's Academy of Sciences, almost all scientific and educational institutions: Academy of Arts, Library of the Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg University, Mining Institute and Naval Cadet Corps. Subsequently, it was necessary to link Vasilyevsky Island with the side of the Admiralty. For this purpose, the Annunciation Bridge was built, which became the first permanent bridge across the Bolshaya Neva.
The construction of residential buildings, which began actively in the 18th century, was continued in the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the last century. At the same time, new public buildings appeared. The northern and southern sides of Vasilyevsky Island developed as zones where industrial facilities were concentrated. The largest factories of the then Russian Empire: Baltic, Pipe, Cable, "Siemens-Galske", "Siemens-Shuckert" and a number of others. In the 20s of the last century, the reconstruction touched the western part of Vasilyevsky Island. In the 1950s, they continued to build up the Harbor area and reconstructed Bolshoy Prospekt.
In the late 60s, in the alluvial territories in its western part, they began to form new area, which has become a kind of ceremonial marine calling card St. Petersburg. The work was supervised by the architect S. I. Evdokimov, later the project was implemented by his colleagues V. N. Sokolov and V. A. Sokhin. The district includes the Sea Embankment, the center of the ensemble of the Square of Naval Glory, the Marine Station and the Pribaltiyskaya Hotel. New buildings grow as the alluvial territories appear and move to the west, which goes from Nalichnaya Street. Its name in meaning just corresponds to the concept of "embankment", although the street itself no longer goes directly to the sea.
In our time, the additional expansion of Vasilyevsky Island has by no means stopped: the government of St. Petersburg has set the task of increasing its area in the southwestern part by 30%. It is moving towards the Neva Bay. The first phase of the new Sea Passenger Port has already been put into operation, the capacity of which is used for passenger ferries plying between the capitals of the Baltic states, as well as cruise liners who are unable to moor on the Neva due to the large draft. Meanwhile, the public is concerned about the plans to receive automobile container cargo here from ferries. The authors of the idea are guided by the need to achieve all-season profitability of the port. However, its opponents believe that it will complicate transport situation, and also, possibly, will negatively affect the ecological situation in neighboring residential areas.
origin of name
According to one of the widespread versions, Vasilyevsky Island got its name in honor of Vasily Korchmin, the closest associate of Peter I, who commanded the artillery battery located here. This person was both real and legendary. Being an entrepreneur, he was engaged in the construction of fortifications, defensive and culvert structures. Korchmin, in collaboration with Yakov Bruce, developed new gun systems. In addition, on behalf of the king, he carried out a reconnaissance mission in Europe. He also organized festive fireworks. And when his Majesty sent him written instructions, the envelope invariably read: "Vasily to the island."
This version of the origin of the name sounds very convincing and could hardly raise doubts, if not for one “but”: history itself refutes it. When in the 30s of the century before last they carefully studied the old Novgorod scribe books, then in one of them, dated as early as 1500, they found a list of villages, repairs and estates located on the Neva. Among them, Vasilev Ostrov is also mentioned. The name was written in this form, and it is believed that it arose on behalf of its manager, whose name was Vasily Selezen. As for the link with the name of Vasily Korchmin, this is simply a historical error, voluntarily or involuntarily made by Andrei Ivanovich Bogdanov, the first historian of St. Petersburg.
Meanwhile, Vasilyevsky Island changed its name several times. Since 1500 it has been Vasilev Island. Until the 18th century, it was also known as Hirvisaari (translated from Finnish - “ Moose Island"). In the early years of the existence of the Northern capital, it was called the Smolensk field. In 1710-1720, according to the title of Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, it was called Prince Island, and in 1725-1727 it was renamed Menshikov Island in his honor. From 1727 to 1729, on the orders of Peter the Great, it became Preobrazhensky, since the tsar planned to place the regiment of the same name here. From 1729 to the present day, the island has been called Vasilievsky.
Architecture and sights
Despite the fact that the architectural appearance of the island is diverse, its dominant feature is the style inherent in the buildings of the 18th-19th centuries. And, most importantly, many of them keep the stamp of the time of Peter the Great, the bold aspirations of the first Russian emperor to modernize the country, to introduce everything advanced, European into its development.
So, one of the notable structures of Vasilyevsky Island are two 32-meter Rostral columns located on the sides of Birzhevaya Square. They were built in 1810 by the French architect Jean-Francois Thomas de Thomon. Previously, they acted as beacons for ships entering the port. They, symbolizing the power of Russia as a maritime power, were decorated in the Roman style with anchors and rostra of ships. At the foot are allegorical figures that personify the four great Russian rivers: the Volga, Neva, Dnieper and Volkhov. Internal spiral staircases allow tourists to get to the upper platforms of these magnificent monuments of antiquity. From here you have a stunning view of the Strelka and the sea.
At first, lighthouses were melted with coal and oil. Then electricity was brought to them, but soon they abandoned its use due to the high consumption and high cost. In 1957, when St. Petersburg (then Leningrad) celebrated its 250th anniversary, gas was brought to the Rostral columns and each was equipped with a powerful fire torch 7 meters high. After a recent restoration, they were lit again - at a solemn ceremony on the occasion of the completion of work.
Another famous landmark of Vasilevsky Island is the Gottorp Globe, installed under the Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. However, in December 1747, it was destroyed by a fire that broke out in the building of the Kunstkamera. As early as next year, they began to recreate it literally anew: the workshops of the Academy of Sciences of St. Petersburg and everything necessary were made available to Russian craftsmen. In 1754, the globe was restored almost completely, and now this unique creation can be seen in the exposition of the Museum. M. V. Lomonosov. The latter is located in the building of the same Kunstkamera and is an independent department of the Peter the Great Museum of Ethnography and Anthropology located here.
Tourists do not ignore one of the oldest churches in St. Petersburg - the Church of the Three Hierarchs, founded at the beginning of the 18th century and being one of the oldest in the whole city. And the Menshikov Palace, already mentioned above, built for one of the closest associates of Peter I, is now under the jurisdiction of the State Hermitage Museum, excursions are held there daily. Interior decoration The palace impresses with its magnificence, and this beauty must be seen by all means.
Do you like visiting exhibitions and shows? Then you will certainly be interested in the Lenexpo exhibition complex, located in the southwestern tip of Vasilyevsky Island. It's in the Harbor Historic District, on the coast Gulf of Finland. There are nine pavilions and many conference halls, meeting rooms and a number of administrative buildings.
The arrow refers to the eastern tip of Vasilievsky Island. It is the brightest architectural ensemble, captivating even the most sophisticated connoisseurs of beauty, because here urban architecture and architecture are intertwined in amazing harmony. unique landscapes Neva coasts.
Central to everything architectural ensemble occupies the Stock Exchange building. It was built in 1805-1810 according to the project of the same Thomas de Thomon. Located on the then empty square, it conditionally divided it into two parts, which became separate squares - Birzhevaya and Kollezhskaya. The construction fully met the needs of the rapidly developing economy of the then Russia. The building is remarkable in itself: it is made in the style of an ancient temple. The rostral columns, which we have already mentioned above, are located just in front of the Stock Exchange.
Of the museums, in addition to the Zoological and Kunstkamera, on the Strelka there is also the Central Museum of Soil Science. V. V. Dokuchaev and Literary Museum, better known as the Pushkin House or the Institute of Russian Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
In 2006, on the Neva, just near the famous Strelka, a floating singing fountain was opened - the largest in our country. However, due to the impending financial and economic crisis, it was already closed in 2009. It is currently under conservation.
The historical appearance of the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island has been formed over the centuries. During this time, he settled down, became familiar, and when in 2008 in the area of the House of Culture. Kirov began to build high-rise buildings, which, according to many experts, irreparably distorted the entire panorama. A whole scandal erupted. The construction was called by public activists only as an “urban planning crime”. The government of St. Petersburg could not ignore these sentiments in any way, so it proposed to the developer to reduce the number of storeys of the buildings under construction. The high-rise building "Financier", built near the Palace of Culture. Kirov, the owners of the developer's company, on their own initiative, nevertheless reduced it by as much as 3.5 meters, which did not affect the views in any way, but reconciled them with the city administration.
Development plan for Vasilyevsky Island called "Marine Façade"
Transport connection
Blagoveshchensky and Palace bridges connect Vasilyevsky with the city center, namely Novo-Admiralteysky Island, and the Birzhevaya and Tuchkov bridges connect with the Petrogradskaya Storona district.
Four bridges connect Vasilyevsky Island with the Decembrist Island. Under the governor V. I. Matvienko, it was planned to build the Novo-Admiralteysky bridge between the 16-17th and 18-19th lines. However, the project was not implemented due to financial reasons. In addition, in 2011 the city court of St. Petersburg overturned the decision of the city government, which approved the construction project. As an alternative, a 6-lane Betancourt bridge was built, which runs between the island of the Decembrists in the Vasileostrovsky region and Petrovsky island in the Petrograd region across Sulfur Island. The bridge was opened to traffic on May 13, 2018.
The Blagoveshchensky Bridge has been completely reconstructed. After the repair, it was decided not to return the tram tracks, which had not been used for several years before. The Palace Bridge was overhauled in 2013.
Where to stay?
Vasilyevsky Island is rightfully considered one of the the most beautiful places Northern capital. Due to specifics geographical location it can hardly be called comfortable for permanent residence: it is cool here, winds often blow from the side Baltic Sea. And yet, such features do not make it less interesting for tourists. On the contrary, travelers readily come here, walk with pleasure in its picturesque corners, visit sights and take a lot of pictures.
Of course, every foreigner, especially those who came to St. Petersburg for a short time, wants to rationally manage their free time and, as far as possible, spend it less on getting here. For accommodation, tourists are advised to choose inexpensive hotels located in the city center, closer to the subway. Getting off at the Vasileostrovskaya station, you can immediately start exploring these wonderful places.
We all know very well cultural capital Russia - St. Petersburg. But not everyone knows about its no less interesting part - Vasilyevsky Island. If you are interested in this island, you will certainly want to visit it. So let's decide which sights of Vasilyevsky Island are worth visiting in the first place.
A small digression into history
Vasilyevsky Island is the largest on the Neva. Peter 1, having spied the idea in Amsterdam, wanted to cut the island with many channels. But he failed to bring the idea to life. There were many reasons for this, one of which was his closest associate, Alexander Menshikov. He interfered with the construction and erected a luxurious palace for himself. Despite the decrees of the tsar, the people did not move to Vasilyevsky Island. The channels were asleep. This is the only place in the world where every street has two names. Another important reason was the lack of a road to the island. But Peter 1 did not want to build bridges.
Bridges
Since 1727, they began to install a pontoon bridge 2 times a year. Now there is a memorial sign at this place. You had to pay to cross the bridge. With the money raised later built
Some time later, the bridge was moved and the first Yablochkov lanterns were installed on it. Later, the bridge was returned to its old place and kerosene lanterns were already installed. Because of this, in 1916 it burned down.
By decree of Nicholas 1 in 1850, the Annunciation Bridge was built. After the death of the emperor, it was renamed into Nikolaevsky. The original name returned only in 2007. During the Soviet Union it was called "the bridge of Lieutenant Schmidt". The bridge built next to him was called his "son". Now the "son of Lieutenant Schmidt" is called the "Big Petrovsky Bridge".
Now we know that the main historical sights of Vasilyevsky are bridges. And now let's move on to the rest.
House of Troekurov
It is incredible how this small mansion has survived to this day - an example of buildings from the times of Peter the Great. From this landmark of St. Petersburg's Vasilyevsky Island, one can judge what appearance the streets of the city had in the middle of the 18th century. The house was built in the 30s of the 18th century for the steward of the emperor - Alexei Ivanovich Troekurov. In 1969 the building was reconstructed. Now in the building of this landmark of Vasilyevsky Island there is an educational complex with its most popular hotel in the city and parking.
House of Academicians
After the opening of the scientific academy on Vasilyevsky Island, it became the center of scientific life in Russia. Academics, of course, wanted to live as close to work as possible. For this reason, a "communal house" was opened here. Many scientists left us from here, which is why the building was nicknamed the "Indian Tomb".
Icebreaker-museum "Krasin"
The icebreaker-museum "Krasin" is a true monument to shipbuilding. In 1917 it was built in England under the order for the Naval Ministry of Russia and was named "Svyatogor". In February 1917, the icebreaker arrived in Arkhangelsk, and already on August 1, 1819, it was flooded. Until 1952 "Krasin" remained the most powerful ice drift in the world. Now the ship is one of the branches. Everyone can visit the "ship attractions" of St. Petersburg's Vasilyevsky Island, photos of which you can see below. This is a wardroom, a captain's bridge, a navigational cabin ...
Church of the Three Saints
The author of this attraction of Vasilyevsky Island, a photo of which you can also see below, is considered, but there is nothing left to confirm this fact. The Church of the Three Hierarchs was built in 1760.
Church of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called
In 1780, this church was built, located as close as possible to the Church of the Three Hierarchs. There is an opinion that it was here that Catherine Dolgoruky was buried. In 1917 the temple was looted and closed. In 1992 it was restored and reopened.
sphinxes
In 1834, the main facade of the art academy was decorated with two Egyptian sphinxes.
Sphinxes are the most ancient sights of Vasilevsky Island, more than three thousand years old. Once they stood in the alley of sphinxes near the palace of Amenhotep 3.
Sphinxes were found during archaeological sites under the command of Janis Athonasis in 1820. Since the expedition was sponsored by the English consulate, the sphinxes went to England. Nicholas 1 bought them for 62,000 rubles. In 1832, the sphinxes arrived in St. Petersburg and were installed in front of the Art Academy.
Exchange Building
The Exchange building was built after the transfer of the commercial port to the island. In 1730 a wooden building was erected. In 1780, they decided to make it stone. In 1783 the plan was put into action.
The main facade of this landmark of Vasilyevsky Island overlooks Winter Palace. In 1889, the country's first industrial exhibition was held here, where only domestic products were presented.
Griffin Tower
You will not find this tower full of legends and fictions in any tourist guide, but this is a place that is definitely worth a visit. According to the main version, an alchemist once lived here, secretly breeding griffins. Some even saw their silhouettes at night.
One of the most famous historical districts in such a metropolis as St. Petersburg is Vasilyevsky Island. Its sights are located mainly along the embankment of the river. The Big Neva, which washes it on one side, and on the other, the waters of the Baltic Sea (Gulf of Finland), the Malaya Neva and Smolenka rivers splash.
History of Vasilyevsky Island
This one big Island on the Neva, covering an area of 1050 hectares. For many years it remained uninhabited until Peter I donated it where he built his castle, now called the Menshikov Palace.
Active development of the island began only in the 18th century, when the king decided to make the center of the capital there. Its eastern edge - Vasilyevsky Strelka - was conceived as quarters for the aristocracy. The arrow is actually an artificially filled part of the island. It was designed by the architect Thomas de Thomon during the reign of Tsar Alexander I, who also gave the idea of the entire Neva embankment.
Tourists and guests who come to St. Petersburg, Vasilevsky Island, sights and the embankment always visit it, because this area is one of the oldest and most beautiful places in the city.
Exchange and rostral columns
The building of the Trade Exchange (1810) built in the 19th century became the decoration of the Vasilyevsky Spit. The snow-white building, made in the Empire style, is decorated with a colonnade. The descent and stairs in front of the entrance to the Exchange are located in a semicircle. The building itself looks like an ancient Greek temple, and groups of sculptures near the entrance complement this similarity.
At the same time, two rostral columns were installed on both sides of the square. They got their name from the bow of the ship (rostrum). Initially, the columns served as beacons installed for ships to enter the trading port. At the top were bowls-luminaries, and every captain of the sailing ship knew: since the rostral columns are shining, St. Petersburg is waiting for guests.
At the foot of the columns there are allegorical sea sculptures (authors J. Kamberlen, S. Sukhanov and F. Thibaut), symbolizing the four large Russian rivers.
island: sights and museums
Now the island is cultural and administrative center cities. Right along the University Embankment there are many interesting museums:
- The Kunstkamera is a museum of rarities and curiosities that Tsar Peter I began to collect; interest in its exhibits is extremely high, and therefore the museum often carries its exhibitions around the cities of Russia.
- The Central Naval Museum has collected about 2 thousand unique ones, which are truly masterpieces of art; collections of weapons and flags, marine equipment. Founded by Peter I at the Admiralty in 1709.
- Zoological Museum - presents all the animals of the world (from birds to whales) natural areas from the Equator to the Arctic Circle.
- Menshikov Palace - today represents the Museum of Russian Culture of the 18th century.
- Museum of Soil Science.
- university.
- Literary Museum, etc.
- Academy of Sciences and Academy of Arts (built in 1757).
How to get to Vasilyevsky Island
Tourists need to take into account that in such a peculiar city as St. Petersburg, it can only be seen during the day, because. ground transport moves over the bridges thrown over the Neva. Bridges are drawn up every night to ensure the passage of river and sea vessels along the Neva.
On Vasilyevsky Island there are a large number of cafes and restaurants, there are river and sea stations, metro.
Hello dear travelers! Vasilyevsky Island is the heart of St. Petersburg, the largest of the city's islands. Its streets are steeped in history Russian state. And Peter I planned to turn it into a Russian Venice, but these plans were never realized. What to see on Vasilyevsky Island when you arrive in St. Petersburg?
On the streets of Vasilyevsky Island, as nowhere else in St. Petersburg, you can feel the atmosphere of the 18th-19th centuries. Some houses look the same as they did a hundred years ago, so when you get there, you seem to find yourself in the last century.
I don't want to choose a country or a churchyard. I will come to Vasilyevsky Island to die. I won’t find your dark blue facade in the dark, I’ll fall on the asphalt between the faded lines, - Joseph Brodsky
In the summer, thousands of tourists come to watch the main event of the city - divorce. Palace Bridge connecting Vasilyevsky Island with Nevsky Prospekt.
And here locals not happy that the only way to get home at night is by swimming or by waiting for bridges to close. Recently, a night metro line has been launched, which delivers residents from one coast to the other during the period of bridges.
The weather on Vasilyevsky Island is different from St. Petersburg - it is almost always colder and windier here, so it will not be out of place to take warm clothes for a walk.
Development history
The history of Vasilyevsky Island dates back to the 18th century, when Peter I presented it to A. D. Menshikov. He also built a palace on it, the original appearance of which has been preserved to this day. In 1732 he was placed at the disposal of the First Cadet Corps. And since 1981, a branch of the Hermitage and an exposition from the time of Peter I settled here.
Active development of Vasilievsky Island began when Peter I wanted to build something akin to the cities of Europe.
In 1720, the architect Trezzini presented a project with parallel canal streets, in the spirit of Venice. The idea was accepted, but without canals, and the streets were renamed into lines.
By 1810, the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island was built on the eastern part. The port was moved a little later. They made a place for a cemetery. The Annunciation Bridge was erected. Opened educational and scientific institutions. Residential and public buildings began to be actively built up. In the north and south of the island have earned industrial enterprises. Laid the first tram line.
In the 20-21 centuries, by merging with the neighboring island of the Decembrists, the Vasileostrovsky district appeared. Reconstruction of Bolshoy Prospekt. Highways were formed. Actively built up: the area of the Gavan, the area of the Western side, which is the sea facade of St. Petersburg.
At the mouth of the river Smolenka, after the construction of the Shipbuilders Bridge on it, it was planned to set up a park called “Window to Europe”, however, due to the start of perestroika, the project had to be curtailed. According to the latest information, the Window to Europe park project on Vasilyevsky Island may see the light of day.
Sights of Vasilyevsky Island
The first thing that guests of the island see is the Rostral Columns on Birzhevaya Square, built in 1810 and used to function as lighthouses.
From the very top of the columns, a stunning view of the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island opens up.
Spit of Vasilyevsky Island
Strelka - the eastern edge of Vasilyevsky Island. This is a complex of architectural buildings harmoniously combined with the Neva embankment.
Here is the narrowest street of the city - Repina and the most picturesque 6th and 7th lines of Vasilyevsky Island.
There is something to see on the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island itself:
- Building of the Twelve Collegia It was built in the Petrine Baroque style and consists of 12 three-story buildings. Now St. Petersburg State University and the Pedagogical Institute work there.
- Exchange - the central element of the ensemble of the Strelka of Vasilyevsky Island. It looks like an ancient Greek temple, surrounded by 44 columns around the perimeter. Until 2010, the Naval Museum was located inside, today the Museum of Soil Science still operates here, but the question of the further use of the building is still open.
- Palace Bridge 260 meters long to the Admiralty. Built in 1916.
- exchange bridge 250 meters long connects with Petrogradsky Island. It was completed in 1960, taking into account the proportions and forms of the Palace.
- Rostral columns built in 1810, decorated with bows of ships. Previously, they were used as lighthouses, so there are spiral staircases inside.
- memorial sign Arrow of Vasilevsky Island to the 300th anniversary of the city.
- Floating fountain complex size 70x70 meters. The maximum height of the central jet is 60 meters. It works in three modes: music, light and music and laser show.
Big, Middle and Small Avenue
You can also take a walk from the Vasileostrovskaya metro station, moving along Bolshoy Prospekt.
Along the way you can visit:
- Andrew's Cathedral . In the middle of the 18th century, the temple burned down and a new one was erected in its place, in the Baroque style, which has retained its appearance to the present.
- Church of the Three Saints - the oldest church in St. Petersburg. It was built in the neighborhood of St. Andrew's Cathedral, so that in winter parishioners could visit a warmer building.
- Church of St. Catherine - built in the 19th century and did not operate for a long time.
- Church of the Icon of the Mother of God - reminiscent of appearance Sophia Cathedral of Constantinople and only in 2012 became available for visiting.
Literally every building on Bolshoy Prospekt has a history, for example, house No6 or the house of the merchant Gromov. At the beginning of the 18th century, the museum of L.N. Tolstoy. After that, there lived a writer - N. Chernyshevsky, and during the war years - Tatyana Savicheva, whose stories about life in besieged Leningrad told about this terrible period of the city.
Today this building houses Spice Museum.
On Middle Avenue you will find:
- Famous museum of urban electric transport , where you can take pictures of expositions and visit inside the cars.
- St. Michael's Lutheran Church renovated 7 years ago. Parishioners say that the church has a good sound and one of the best organ instruments in the city.
- IN museum of geology over 1 million exhibits, including rare and expensive items.
There are not many sights on Maly Prospekt, but you should definitely take a walk along the streets and enjoy the view of the Church of the Annunciation.
University embankment
There are 4 embankments on Vasilyevsky Island at once: Universitetskaya, Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment, Makarov and Morskaya.
On the University there are a large number of attractions:
- Zoo museum . Its collection contains over 50 million exhibits. Among them are a stuffed adult mammoth, and a long whale skeleton.
- Kunstkamera - a gallery of rarities, which became famous because of the exhibits of freaks in alcohol, presented in the halls of the museum.
- Menshikov Palace
built in baroque style
times of Peter I. - Rumyantsev garden with fountains and busts of Repin and Surikov.
- Academy of Sciences built in the late 80s of the 18th century.
- Academy of Arts.
- sphinxes on the pier was installed in the 30s of the XIX century. In fact, they are over 3,500 years old. The mysterious Sphinxes from Thebes guard the waters of the Neva here. These are the only sphinxes in the city related to the art of Ancient Egypt.
Embankment Lieutenant Schmidt
Moving along the Universitetskaya embankment towards the Blagoveshchensky bridge, you will come to the Lieutenant Schmidt embankment.
Walking through these places, you can see: the Naval and Mining Institute, the Church of the Blessed Virgin and the icebreaker-museum "Krasin", which was a participant in the rescue operation at the North Pole and the Great Patriotic War.
Mining Museum of the Mining University
The Mining Museum in St. Petersburg was founded on October 21, 1773, together with the Mining School, by decree of Catherine II. It is located on the second floor of the building of the Mining University. The collections of the museum occupy the best historical halls of the building.
The museum is an important cultural, educational and educational center of the university. For several centuries, its collections have served as the basis for scientific and learning activities Mining University.
To date, the Mining Museum consists of 20 halls, the area of which exceeds 4000 square meters. m. The museum's funds include over 240 thousand exhibits, some of which are unique and rare.
The museum is divided into 3 departments: the history of mining technology, mineralogy and geology. Visitors will be able to see collections of minerals and meteorites collected in the 18th-19th centuries.
Also here are rare products of the Faberge jewelry company, objects made of steel, copper and cast iron.
Working hours - Monday-Thursday from 9.00 to 17.00.
Friday from 9.00 to 16.00.
Excursions only as part of organized groups (students, schoolchildren, organizations).
Saturday: only excursions by appointment for individual visitors (2 groups of 25 people).
Ticket price - Admission to the museum is free. You must have an ID with you.
What travelers say:
My team and I went one Saturday on an excursion to the Mining Museum. To my shame, having lived so many years in this beautiful city I have not been to this museum. It was a shock. The exhibits were striking in their beauty. As if plunged into the world of a fairy tale. Remarkably decorated showcases It can be seen that the museum was created with love. I really liked the girl tour guide. I fell in love with Charoite stone. Most importantly, the museum is free. Turns out you just need to sign up.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Located on Lieutenant Schmidt embankment, house 27/2. It was founded in the courtyard of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra in 1895. The construction was completed in 1903. The pseudo-Russian style gives the temple elegance and lightness.
The church is five-domed, built without the use of columns made of brick, concrete, granite, Radom sandstone. The architect was able to achieve an amazing combination of a monumental cathedral and the comfort of a house church. V. A. Kosyakov managed to harmoniously fit the building into the panorama of Vasilyevsky Island.
Accommodates up to 2000 people. Did not escape closure. Until 1991, it housed both a sports hall and indoor ice rink and baths and flower plantations.
Divine services were resumed in August 1991. Photographs were used to restore the unique porcelain iconostasis.
Museum Icebreaker "Krasin"
The icebreaker "Krasin" - unique museum under open sky, a genuine Arctic icebreaker that has covered tens of thousands of kilometers in all the oceans of the world during its long life. For more than a century of existence, the icebreaker managed to serve in the Russian and Soviet fleets, work as an escort ship and a research vessel.
In the last decade and a half, a rather aged, but still strong handsome man is moored to the eternal parking lot at the Lieutenant Schmidt embankment in St. Petersburg and whiles away his days as a living museum.
The years of perestroika became a difficult period in the life of an icebreaker. The lack of funding and even attempts to sell the dilapidated ship that had become useless to anyone almost led the Krasin to death.
Thanks to the efforts of caring people, enthusiasts, an organization was found that was ready to sponsor the restoration of the historic ship and turn it into a museum on the water.
Opening hours — Wed-Sun from 11:00 to 18:00 (ticket office until 17:00).
Mon, Tue - days off.
The last Wednesday of the month is a sanitary day.
Ticket price - Entrance ticket (excursion): adults - 400 r, schoolchildren, students, pensioners, children from 5 to 7 years old - 200 r, children under 5 years old, combatants, conscripts - free of charge.
What travelers say:
We were lucky, we got on an unscheduled excursion (they usually take place every hour -12.00, 13.00, etc.), we had an amazing guide - Diana Borisovna. The story was very interesting, emotional (on the part of visitors). They told the story of the icebreaker, its difference from other ships, it was possible to hold the helm (you can’t turn it - the icebreaker is working), knocked on the morse, looked into the captain’s cabin. They gave me time to take pictures. Everyone was very pleased with the tour, we will return in the summer for a walk along the upper deck !! (Were in the middle of March).
Other attractions
The Chapel of St. Xenia of Petersburg is the most visited place among believers. It is located next to the Primorskaya metro station, on the territory of the Smolensk cemetery. There is a belief that Ksenia helps everyone who asks her for help.
You can also walk to Lenexpo - one of the largest exhibition complexes in the Russian Federation.
And the sea station, located on the Naval Glory Square, is ready to receive any ships.
Bridges
The Blagoveshchensky Bridge was the very first on Vasilyevsky Island.
Later, Dvortsovy, Birzhevoy and Tuchkov appeared. IN summer time all these bridges are drawn in turn in accordance with the schedule, but every year it changes, so it is better to check in advance.
To get to St. Petersburg and Vasilyevsky Island, book your plane tickets in advance.
For online booking air and railway tickets, as well as hotels and tours, you can use the site Ozon.Travel.
Here you will also receive information about payment for the order and delivery of tickets, fares, availability of seats.
Have you been to Vasilyevsky Island? Maybe we missed something? Add your routes in the comments.
See you!
Wanting to plunge into the atmosphere of St. Petersburg even deeper, we turned to Ruslan Bekurov, Associate Professor of the Department of International Journalism of the St. state university. He made a small but detailed guide on Vasilyevsky Island, where he lived for more than 10 years
Students, metaphysics, traffic jams and sunsets on the bay
On Vasilyevsky Island there is an oblique line. A typical factory street, where there is nothing but industrial and industrial establishments. Usually, before turning onto it from Bolshoy Prospekt, minibus drivers ask: “Does anyone go to Kosoy?”. In 99 cases out of 100 there are no applicants, and the minibus goes further along the Bolshoi.
So, for me, the Oblique Line is a symbol of absolute worthlessness and uselessness brought to the point of absurdity. Half the people in my life are oblique lines. Well, I myself, probably, for someone - Oblique line.
Vasilyevsky Island is metaphysical. Here one is drawn to think about the meaning of life and delve into oneself. Probably because there are many cemeteries here - both existing and already abandoned. The island is also crammed with chapels. Sometimes it seems there are more of them than.
Church of the Assumption of Our Lady. Photo: wikimedia.orgVaska is a student island. Here, perhaps, is the largest: here you have St. Petersburg State University, and the legendary, and the Academy of Arts, and the North-Western Academy of Civil Service, as well as several large naval institutes.
In the unwillingness to correspond to the modern rhythm and trends - both the beauty and the trouble of "Vaska". These endless traffic jams, not at all stardust and gopniks in tight sweatpants are perceived too painfully.
Photo: s-pb.in On the other hand, I don’t want the cozy green courtyards, which are in bulk on Vaska, to become a thing of the past; little ones with old women and their grandchildren; sunset and barbecues on the bay; houses on "chicken legs" on Primorskaya; icebreaker "Krasin" on the Lieutenant Schmidt embankment; quiet lanes near the University with scruffy bearded professors running to lectures; "wells", in the windows of which you want to drown; Soviet canteens and wineries, scattered around Vasileostrovskaya, and many, many other attributes of MY island.
Conventionally, I would break it into four parts: the Primorskaya metro area to the Gulf of Finland; metro area "Vasileostrovskaya" / "Sportivnaya"; industrial area and "academic" - where, the Academy of Arts, the Academy of Sciences, and.
Photo: peterburgiprigorod.ru
The main part of the island is divided into three avenues: Big, Middle and Small. Hence the famous St. Petersburg joke: "I'll go a little." According to legend, Peter I planned to fill Vaska with canals crossing these avenues. But as a result, instead of channels, streets appeared, the names of which were not particularly bothered - lines and lines. There are more than twenty such lines-streets on the island.
spend the night
If you stopped in St. Petersburg for a short time, Vasilyevsky Island offers many options for overnight stays. There are many hotels on the island: from large chain hotels to tiny semi-legal hostels. On the coast of the Gulf of Finland near sea port The four-star hotel "" (Street of Shipbuilders, 14) - one of the most famous in the city, turned around like a book. They say that in the eighties one of the "suites" was bought by Alla Pugacheva. She really liked the view from the window.
Photo: artuom.livejournal.com
Behind the "Pribaltiyskaya" is the water park "Waterville", one of the largest and most beloved by children complexes water activities Petersburg - its area is 14,000 square meters.
Not far from the Neva embankment on the 2nd line, 61 there is a five-star hotel "", and next to the university - the hotel "" of the popular Finnish chain "" (Birzhevoy per., 2). Another "" is located on the 8th line, 11.
Prices in these hotels range from 7 to 10 thousand rubles per day for a regular double room.
Photo: hotelspb.ru In this sense, in my opinion, the most suitable option is mini-hotels between Sredny and Bolshoy avenues and near Lenexpo. I recommend Noteburg (3rd line, 20), Monet (Morskaya emb., 17), Apriori (Gavanskaya st., 9) and, of course, the famous "" (Bolshoy pr., 21), where visiting guest performers like to stay.
Prices in - from 3 to 7 thousand rubles per night.
And if it’s really bad with money or you just don’t want to spend it on stupid apartments, go to Location Hostel (Birzhevoy per., 4) - there for 1500-2000 rubles a day there is an option to get a separate double room. On white nights, when the bridges are being drawn, we often stay there to drink until the morning in the little Edda bar on the ground floor.
Photo: static-trezzinipalace.hrabr.ru
Look
On the shores of the Gulf of Finland, not far from the hotel "", there is a cult complex of university dormitories (Street Korablestroiteley, 20). I lived in one of the buildings for more than ten years. And perhaps it was best time in my worthless life. There is a lot of fun and few bars - except for the rollicking KillFish and the respectable Gromov. Students mainly have fun on the shores of the Gulf of Finland: they eat barbecue, of course, drink and go to meet the dawn on the road to the new Passenger Terminal, from where ferries come and go to Finland and Sweden.
Passenger terminal. Photo: citywalls.ru By the way, according to a playful legend, Eldar Ryazanov filmed The Irony of Fate (Street Korablestroiteley, 37) in the apartment of the house opposite the hostel. And until now, the owners of the apartment are happy to let in those who wish to touch the bathroom, in which Ippolit himself took a shower. Joke.
Lenexpo, one of the largest exhibition centers in Russia, is located on the southwestern tip of the island in the historic district of Gavan. As students, we liked to wander here through numerous agricultural exhibitions: we tried free wine, gorged ourselves on vegetables and fruits. Moreover, Lenexpo is a traditional venue for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. During this period, a bunch of "bumps" come and, of course, "close" half of the island.
On the 29th line, 2 is the largest private museum in Russia "", which specializes in contemporary art. The museum is located in a typical Stalinist building, which has been thoroughly rebuilt inside. Guided tours are held in the Museum Wing, which contains a permanent interactive exhibition. Passing through the large hall, you exit to the first two U-space rooms, which are dedicated to various topics and completely immerse you in a certain atmosphere. The balloon waterfall in the Cherry Orchard room is especially popular.
Photo: nice-places.com On the second floor there are also U-space rooms, and on the third floor there are two cinema halls, where videos are shown in which Erarta's paintings come to life. You will find two more U-spaces on the fourth floor, which, by the way, has a lot of experimental paintings. On the fifth floor there are impressive installations. On the ground floor of the Museum Wing there is the Erarta Cafe restaurant with a cozy terrace. In the opposite Exhibition Wing there are also five floors, which are given over to large-scale temporary exhibitions. The large theater and concert hall on the 3rd floor hosts performances, concerts, lectures and film screenings.
Cherry Orchard project.
Photo: erarta.com
Cross art festival 2015. Photo: Facebook
Eat and drink
On the 1st line, it seems to me, a new urban restaurant cluster is emerging. What is more than strange - the place is wildly impassable and stuffed with poor students and residents of communal apartments. From the side of the Tuchkov Bridge there are: the Belgian restaurant "Bruges" (Makarov Embankment, 22) with an endless beer list and, perhaps, the best mussels in the city; a Scandinavian liquor bar with a non-trivial name "Sandwich" (Makarov Embankment, 16); wine bar "Mark Victor" (1st line, 58-60) with New Zealand wine and beautiful view from the second floor.
Wine bar "Mark Victor".
Photo: vk.com
Photo: vk.com
"" (Kadetskaya line, 31) with knocking down homemade tinctures and crazy dances; student restaurant "Hegni" (1st line, 34) - the kingdom of craft beer; in the same house is the ridiculous Parachute Pub, and across the street is the quirky Fever karaoke bar; pretentious Italian restaurant "Trattoria" (Kadetskaya, 9); the favorite of students of the faculty of journalism is the canteen "Dolma" (1st line, 28) with Azerbaijani chefs; family Georgian restaurant "Alaverdi" (1st line, 6) with the best khachapuri in the world; mini-cafe Horosho (1st line, 8) - hardly anywhere else in St. Petersburg you will try such a wonderful espresso.
Bar Hegni.
Photo: vk.com
Photo: vk.com
In general, there are many restaurants and bars on Vaska. But mostly cheap wineries, pubs and Georgian cafes take root. Well, you can drink a good cocktail in the lobby bar of the Sokos Hotel on Birzhevoy Lane. It's good to sit there, especially at night, when businessmen, Finns, SKA hockey players and their long-legged companions come out of their lairs. Get bored there - go to the "Exchange Bar", located in the next house. Also a good place.
The islanders are even more imposing than the rest of the Petersburgers. And I understand them - they are in their place and time. Robinsons and Fridays wandering in search of bread and circuses. They have nowhere to hurry. Especially in summer, when the mood is sunny and the yachts are rocking at the pier.
Line 6-7 near the Vasileostrovskaya metro station was once famous for its spontaneous flea market. Then the street was cleaned, covered with gray tiles and an alley with fountains and benches was laid out in the middle. Now it's pedestrianized street, which, as conceived by officials, was planned as an island entertainment center with shops, restaurants and bars. But for some reason, the "pedestrian" did not take root.
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