Yekateringof is a picturesque park located in the southwestern part of Saint Petersburg. This place is primarily interesting for its history, which is closely intertwined with the history of the Northern capital. The park's name translates from German as "Catherine's Court."
History of Yekateringof Park
The park appeared here during the construction of the Yekateringof Palace in 1711. By the emperor's decree, a garden in the "Dutch style" was laid out here. Nearby were the Podzorny Palace built for Peter and the estates Annengof and Yelizavetgof, built for his daughters.
The Podzorny Palace was located at the mouth of the Neva River, at the intersection of the Fontanka and Yekateringofka Rivers. The building got its name because Peter loved to watch the passing ships from here.
How to Get There
Yekateringof Park is within walking distance of the Narvskaya station on the Kirovsko-Vyborgskaya (Red) line of the Saint Petersburg Metro.
If you plan to drive there, be aware that there is no parking near the park, so you will need to leave your car on the surrounding streets and alleys.
In the summer, you can visit by bicycle, as we did. Even if you start from the city center, the ride won't take too long. Plan your route along the Obvodny Canal embankment—it's a fairly convenient path for cyclists.
The Park Today
In the 19th century, Yekateringof was a popular spot for mass city festivities. Many pavilions were built here according to the design of the famous architect Auguste de Montferrand: a sliding hill, the Moorish pavilion, the building of the Russian Tavern, and others.
Neither the pavilions, the palaces, nor the estates of Peter's daughters have survived to our time. Likewise, the Yekateringof Palace itself has not survived. After the 1917 revolution, it was used by youth organizations and was dismantled for firewood in 1926. At the same time, the Black River, which flowed here, was renamed Yekateringofka.
In Soviet times, Yekateringof was renamed the 30th Anniversary of the Komsomol Park, and its historical name was only restored in 1992. During Soviet times, a monument to the heroes of Krasnodon was erected here.
Now, compared to other garden and park ensembles in the city, it looks somewhat neglected. Despite the administration's ban and police raids, locals still light bonfires, barbecue, and fish here. The only place that reminds one of the elegance of pre-Soviet architecture is the central pond and the rotunda in its northern part.
Podzorny Palace was located on the site of the Admiralty Shipyards, Annengof occupied the territory at the intersection of Kalinin Street and the Western High-Speed Diameter. Now, ZAO "Baltelektro" is located here. Yelizavetgof occupied the western part of the Kirov Plant.
In summary:
- Not the richest park in Saint Petersburg in terms of historical landscapes;
- Located away from the city center, not many visitors, allowing for a peaceful rest;
- A place with a rich history.
