Yusupov Garden is located in the central part of St. Petersburg, within walking distance of major historical landmarks. Its nearly three-century history is linked to the prominent Yusupov family, who played an active role in the life of the Russian Empire.
How to Get There
The garden is a few minutes' walk from three metro stations: "Spasskaya," "Sadovaya," and "Sennaya Ploshchad."
Admission is free.
A Bit of History
The land where the garden is located was gifted to Prince G.D. Yusupov by Peter the Great in 1724. Yusupov had known Tsarevich Peter Alexeyevich since childhood, later participating in the Northern War and the Battle of Poltava, and managed the Office of Investigations.
In 1730, a single-story house was built on the garden grounds according to a design by Domenico Trezzini. Sixty years later, Nikolai Borisovich, the grandson of Grigory Dmitrievich Yusupov, commissioned the construction of a palace from the renowned architect Giacomo Quarenghi. By that time, Quarenghi had already worked on the English Palace in Peterhof and the Hermitage Theatre on Millionnaya Street (now the Palace Embankment).
In 1810, the garden was purchased by the state and later transferred to the Department of Transportation. Today, on the southeast side of the garden is the main building of the St. Petersburg State Transport University, named after Emperor Alexander I.
Yusupov Garden was opened to the public in 1863.
Interestingly, the garden has a sports history. In 1865, a public skating rink was opened on its grounds, and in 1896, the first World Figure Skating Championship was held there. It also hosted Russian and Soviet championships. In winter, the garden featured ice rinks, slides, and ice fortresses.
During the Soviet era, Yusupov Garden was known as the Children's Park of the October District. The historical name was restored in 1990.
The area around the pond is landscaped with flowerbeds, playgrounds, and rest areas. Nearby, at 50 Sadovaya Street, is the Central Museum of Railway Transport. About a kilometer away is the Yusupov Palace on the Moika River, famously known for the murder of Grigory Rasputin in 1916.
