Petersburg: A Walk on Vasilievsky Island

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Vasilyevsky Island is one of the most amazing places in Saint Petersburg — both geographically and historically-cultural. On this seemingly small piece of land, in all its diversity, with all its ups and downs, the history of the Russian state is reflected, starting from the Petrine era. Every corner of Vasilyevsky Island is literally imbued with the spirit of those glorious years. Peter the Great, enchanted by the beauty of these places, even wanted to create something like Venice here, but the emperor’s plan, due to a number of objective circumstances, was never destined to come true. Even if you step onto its soil for the first time, you will never get lost: the linear layout is impeccable, and this brilliant simplicity cannot but inspire admiration. It is, more than any other district of the Northern capital, full of myths and mysteries. It is often called the “island of unsolved secrets,” behind the veil of which tourists, coming here in large numbers from all over Russia and other countries of the world, try to peek. The beauty, uniqueness, and magnetic charm of Vasilyevsky Island have been reflected in many works. It is enough to recall the immortal lines of Joseph Brodsky: “I do not want to choose a country or a parish. I will come to Vasilyevsky Island to die. I will not find your dark blue facade in the dark, Between the faded lines, I will fall onto the asphalt.”

The History of the Name of Vasilievsky Island

Unnamed Road, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199178

Vasilyev Island had three names at once — Russian, Finno-Ugric, and Swedish. The Russian name remained the same: Vasilyev Island (in the Swedish cadastre book — Wassilie Ostroff); the Finnish name Hirvisaari — Moose Island (in the Swedish cadastre book — Hirfwisari); the Swedish name Dammarholm, meaning Pond Island, because fish traps were located there.

Arrow of Vasilievsky Island

Birzhevaya Square, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

The Strelka of Vasilyevsky Island is the calling card of Petersburg. Everyone who falls under the charm of this place loves to take photos near the huge granite spheres crowning the descents to the water. The eastern tip of the Strelka was decorated by architect de Thomon with a descent to the Neva and adorned with elegant, gently sloping granite ramps. Flowing smoothly around the Rostral Columns, they descend right to the water. At the very water’s edge, on pedestals, rest stone spheres astonishing in their perfection. It is said that master stonemason Samson Xenofontovich Sukhanov carved these geometrically precise spheres by eye, without using any measuring instruments and almost with a single strike.

Kunstkamera - History and Legends

Universitetskaya Embankment, 3, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

When Peter I set out on the Great Embassy to establish military-political and cultural-economic relations, he visited private collections and museums that were completely absent in Russia at that time. During his travels, he purchased entire collections and individual items: books, instruments, tools, weapons, natural rarities. When Peter I returned to Russia, he began to arrange his own "cabinet of curiosities" and the first museum in Russia – the Kunstkamera.

The Twelve Collegia Building

Universitetskaya Embankment, 7/9, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

This magnificent building is simply impossible to miss. It is one of the oldest on Vasilievsky Island. An interesting fact is that for nearly two centuries it has housed the state university of Saint Petersburg. Of course, originally the building was intended for completely different purposes. The history of the Twelve Collegia building in Saint Petersburg is closely connected with the development of the state. Its style is a vivid example of early eighteenth-century architecture. Currently, the building is a monument of federal significance.

The Manege of the First Cadet Corps

Universitetskaya Embankment, 11, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

The Manege of the First Cadet Corps is an architectural monument built in the Baroque style. It is one of the city's adornments with its magnificent architectural appearance and interesting history.

Menshikov Palace

Universitetskaya Embankment, 15, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

The palace of the first governor of Petersburg, Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, on Vasilievsky Island is the oldest surviving palace in the city. Under Peter I, all solemn feasts and formal dinners were held here, including the weddings of Tsarevich Alexei with Sophia Charlotte and the future Empress Anna Ioannovna with the Duke of Courland, Friedrich Wilhelm. Before being exiled for embezzlement, His Serene Highness Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov built one of the finest palaces in 18th-century Russia.

Repin Street, charming but with a heavy history

Repina St., 19, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

This street is one of the most charming corners of Saint Petersburg. It stretches from the beautiful and quiet Rumyantsev Garden to the Middle Avenue of Vasilievsky Island.

Doctor Pel's Pharmacy

7th Line V.O., 16-18, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

Doctor Pel's Pharmacy is located in the historic center of Vasilievsky Island. The pharmacy building is over 300 years old. Since 1710, it has housed an operating pharmacy to this day. Not only in this building but throughout the island, there was a pharmacist quarter where, at one time, anyone interested engaged in alchemy. Originally, the building housed a pharmacy shop that frequently changed owners until it came into Pel's possession.

Rumyantsevsky Garden

Rumyantsevsky Garden, Universitetskaya Embankment, 17, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

In Peter the Great's time, the so-called Menshikov Market stood on the site of the garden. During the construction of the Academy of Arts building, there was a construction site here. Later, this place became the parade ground of the Cadet Corps, which was housed in the Menshikov Palace. It was here in 1818 that the obelisk, known as the "Rumyantsev Victories," was moved from the Marble Palace. During the relocation, the monument's appearance was somewhat altered according to K. Rossi's design. It was installed on a granite three-step stylobate and named Rumyantsev Square.

Sphinxes on University Embankment

Universitetskaya Embankment, 17, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

The Ancient Egyptian sphinxes on the University Embankment in Saint Petersburg appeared at the height of Egyptomania in Europe. The two sculptures of anthropo-zoomorphic creatures with the body of a lion and the head of a human embody the mythical monsters of Ancient Egypt — sphinxes. They were created in the 14th century BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III of the 18th dynasty.

The Ghost of the Academy of Arts

Universitetskaya Embankment, 17, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

The circumstances of the death of the first director and architect of the building of the Imperial Academy of Arts gave rise to one of the many Petersburg legends, known as the "Ghost of the Academy of Arts." It is said that the soul of the suicide, having found no rest in the Higher World, is doomed to wander forever within the walls he once created.

The Mansion of the Brusnitsyn Merchants

Kozhevennaya Line, 27, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199106

A fantastic mansion in eclectic style, located in the industrial zone on Kozhevennaya Line of Vasilievsky Island. One of the most luxurious Petersburg mansions built at the end of the 19th century, it belonged to the merchant Brusnitsyn family. Due to repeated changes of negligent owners, it has lost part of its unique interiors, and the remaining magnificent heritage is at risk of soon fading into oblivion.

Kozhevennaya Line - a new hangout spot replacing the creepy industrial zone

Kozhevennaya Line, 25, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199106

The Kozhevennaya Line in the southwestern part of Vasilievsky Island was laid out in the 1780s. Its creation is connected with the relocation of all the leather factories of St. Petersburg to this area. These industries were characterized by unpleasant odors, which led to their displacement to the outskirts of the city. In the 18th century, the new route was called the "road to the leather factories." Its even-numbered side sometimes bordered the bay, so in the 1830s it had another name — Beregovaya Line (Coastal Line). However, the official name that stuck was the current one — Kozhevennaya Line. This place is becoming trendy and a popular hangout spot.

Galley Harbor

Skippersky Lane, 18, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199106

In the western part of Vasilievsky Island, there is a unique monument of fortification art — Galernaya Harbor, one of the old landmarks of Saint Petersburg. The Skipper's Canal connects this bay with the Neva Bay.

Skipper's Strait is a bad place.

Skipper's Quay, 16-18, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199106

The outwardly prosperous Vasileostrovsky district frightens residents with an abundance of garbage piles, where there should be squares and parks instead. Adding fuel to the fire is the area on the Shkipersky Spit, which has repeatedly become the subject of scandalous reports about elevated radioactive levels.

Naval Cadet Corps

Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment, 17, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

The history of the oldest educational institution in Russia, the beloved creation of Peter I, began on January 14 (25), 1701, when Peter's decree was issued: "...to establish the teaching of Mathematical and Navigational, that is, maritime cunning sciences." The Navigation School was located in Moscow, in the Sukharev Tower.

The Courtyard of Spirits on Vasilievsky Island

4th Line V.O., 5, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 199034

A tiny courtyard-well on Vasilievsky Island can help fulfill the most cherished wishes, but it opens only to the chosen ones. To get into the miniature courtyard, which resembles the shape of a well, you need to visit Vasilievsky Island. It is worth noting: this place is not ordinary. It is shrouded in so many myths that some tourists are even afraid to look inside.