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.”

Jermaine