The 300th Anniversary Park of Saint Petersburg is the city's youngest park, established in 1995. The landscaping was completed by the city's 300th anniversary in 2003, and since then, the park has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. The park's popularity has especially surged in recent years with the construction of Europe's tallest skyscraper, the "Lakhta Center," nearby, and the opening of the new "Begovaya" metro station just a few hundred meters from the park's main entrance.
How to Get There
Until 2018, the most convenient way to reach the park was by shuttle bus or tram from the "Staraya Derevnya" metro station. Now, you can get to the park directly, thanks to the newly opened "Begovaya" station on the Nevsko-Vasileostrovskaya Line. As you exit the metro, you can use the "Atlantic City" shopping center as a landmark. Walk along it, cross the street, and you’ll find yourself at the park entrance.
The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
A Bit of History
In 1994, Anatoly Sobchak and Vladimir Putin planted trees on the site where the park would later be developed. Eventually, 300 valuable trees, 300 apple trees, and 300 other trees and shrubs, as well as 70 linden trees, were planted in the park. Many of these trees were gifts to Saint Petersburg for its anniversary. For example, ornamental apple trees were a gift from Helsinki, and the linden trees were donated by a German savings bank.
Originally, the park covered 89 hectares, but after the city's 300th anniversary celebration in 2003, part of the park was given over to the construction of the "Piterland" shopping center with an indoor water park. This reduced the park's area to 54 hectares.
What to See
The park is always bustling with visitors, both adults and children. Near the entrance, there are attractions for younger visitors.
On the central avenue, a 22-meter-high column styled as a lighthouse stands tall, with a small fountain at its base. This spot is perfect for taking great photos.
Various events and festivals, such as the popular "Zaplyv" show, often take place on the park's waterfront. There’s also a sandy beach nearby.
As mentioned earlier, the tallest building in Europe, the "Lakhta Center," is located close to the park. It stands 462 meters tall and has 87 floors. There are plans to connect the "Lakhta Center" with the park via a pedestrian zone.
On the other side of the park, behind the "Piterland" shopping center, lies the Yachtenny Bridge, built in 2017 for the FIFA World Cup. The bridge is currently pedestrian-only (as of autumn 2018). From here, you can enjoy great views of the park, the Gulf of Finland, and another World Cup landmark—the "Saint Petersburg" stadium.
The bridge provides access to Krestovsky Island, home to Primorsky Victory Park and the "Divo-Ostrov" amusement park. Yelagin Island is also within walking distance.
In summary:
- A great place for family outings;
- Conveniently located within walking distance of the metro;
- Various events for children and adults are held in the park almost every weekend.
