The Botanical Garden in St. Petersburg is one of the oldest in Russia. The pioneer of such gardens in Russia was Peter the Great, which is not surprising. In 1706, the Apothecary Garden was opened in Moscow, and in 1709, the second botanical garden in Russia was opened in Lubny (Ukraine). In 1713, Peter signed a decree to create the Apothecary Garden in St. Petersburg, and it was opened the following year.
The garden was ordered by the tsar to be established on Vronsky Island, which was later renamed Apothecary Island. This area is now practically in the center of the city, in the Petrogradsky District.
Why were the island and the garden called Apothecary? Originally, the purpose of these so-called "gardens" was the collection and study of the medicinal properties of various plants. For example, the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden grew Spiraea ulmaria L., a plant known as "Tungus Tea" which was believed to help with colds and fevers.
Over time, the botanical garden expanded and transformed. In 1913, its 200th anniversary year, it was named after Peter the Great.
However, the garden also experienced hard times. The greenhouses and plantings suffered greatly during World War II. In 1941, a shell hit the largest greenhouse, the palm house, and an enormous number of rare tropical plants were destroyed in one night. After the war, about 250 plants survived in the park. Exotic species, such as cacti, were saved as staff took them to their homes and kept them warm.
How to Get There, Opening Hours, Ticket Prices
The garden is very easy to reach; it is a five-minute walk from the "Petrogradskaya" metro station. Exit the metro and head towards the Andrei Mironov Theater — the building resembles a medieval castle and is hard to miss. Then walk along Bolshoy Prospect of the Petrograd Side for one block, cross the Karpovka River, and turn right. This is where the summer entrance to the park is located. In winter, the entrance is a bit farther, from Professor Popov Street.
Main Area, Park-Dendarium:
- The area is open until 8:00 PM, and the ticket office is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- The cost of an adult ticket (without concessions) is 100 rubles (summer 2018).
Greenhouse Tours:
- Tours are conducted daily except Mondays from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Tour times can be checked at the ticket office.
- The cost for admission to the park-dendarium and one tour of choice is 300 rubles (without concessions, summer 2018).
Opening hours vary depending on the season; it's best to check the garden's website for the latest information.
The St. Petersburg Botanical Garden features about 12,000 plant taxa, with at least three specimens of each, totaling around 36,000 representatives of global flora.
Several distinct zones are designated within the garden: a museum (closed for renovation in summer 2018), a rose garden, the Alley of Concerned Petersburgers, a peony garden, a section with plants from the Northwest of Russia, and alpine slides.
There is also a garden for people with disabilities where plants can be touched, and name plates are also provided in Braille.
Group tours are available in the greenhouses, covering tropical, subtropical, and aquatic routes.
In summary:
- A great place for family outings;
- The entrance fee is very modest, suitable for budget travel;
- Buy a ticket for the greenhouse, and in a few minutes, you’re in the subtropics.
- Part 2. Water Route in the Botanical Garden
- Part 3. Tropical Route in the Botanical Garden
- Part 4. Subtropical Route in the Botanical Garden
