Yelagin Island is located in the Petrogradsky District of St. Petersburg. Strictly speaking, it’s not just one island but a group separated by ponds and canals. On its 96 hectares lies the beloved S. M. Kirov Central Park of Culture and Leisure (CPKiO).
How to Get There
Yelagin Island is situated between the Bolshaya and Srednyaya Nevka Rivers. There are three bridges leading to it—from Krestovsky and Kamenny Islands and from Primorsky Avenue. The closest metro stations are "Staraya Derevnya" and "Krestovsky Ostrov." During the warmer months, you can easily walk to the park from the newly opened "Novokrestovskaya" station, with the route passing by Primorsky Victory Park, Divo Ostrov Amusement Park, and the Saint Petersburg Stadium.
On Fridays from 14:00 and on weekends, entry to the park is paid—100 rubles (as of summer 2020). In some ticket offices, you can pay by bank card.
History of Yelagin Island
The island was first mapped by the Swedes in 1643. Peter I granted the island to Vice-Chancellor P. P. Shafirov. Over time, the territory changed hands several times, with the island being named after its current owner. For example, at one point, it was called Melgunov Island.
In 1777, I. P. Yelagin, a leader of the Masonic lodge in St. Petersburg, historian, poet, and philosopher, became the owner of the island. Since then, the island has borne his name. In 1786, Yelagin Palace was built on the island.
Later, the island became the residence of Empress Maria Feodorovna. In 1917, the territory became public property.
S. M. Kirov Central Park of Culture and Leisure
In 1932, the Central Park of Culture and Leisure was opened on Yelagin Island. After the assassination of S. M. Kirov in 1934, the park was named after him. During World War II, the park and the palace were heavily damaged, with major restoration work continuing until 1961.
Today, the park is a favorite spot for many residents and visitors of the Northern Capital. Its numerous paths offer leisurely walks in the shade of the many trees. For those who prefer more active recreation, there is a boat station where you can rent a boat or pedal boat.
In the eastern part of the island are Yelagin Palace and the Museum of Glass Art. Here, at the eastern tip of Yelagin Island, you can enjoy stunning views of the Bolshaya and Srednyaya Nevka Rivers.
In the northeast, there is a small aviary where you can see ducks, geese, and swans in an almost natural habitat.
As mentioned earlier, there is an entrance fee, but this is offset by the park's well-maintained grounds, infrastructure for visitors, and a variety of activities.
For example, when we visited the park in early September, we caught the "Literature. Music. Park." musical and poetic program. On that day, you could listen to classical music at the foot of Yelagin Palace, watch the film Piter FM in the park's outdoor cinema, or attend a reading of Mikhail Bulgakov's play Ivan Vasilievich in the "Theatrical Courtyard".
If you feel like grabbing a bite during your visit, you won’t have any trouble finding something to eat: the park has plenty of stalls offering various snacks. A small note: they don’t accept cards, so make sure to bring cash.
Yelagin Island definitely ranks among the top parks in the city. Besides Primorsky Victory Park, the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg Park is also within walking distance.
In summary:
- Excellent, well-maintained grounds;
- A variety of activities for both children and adults;
- Convenient access from the metro.
