Yelagin Island
Елагин остров | |
---|---|
Russian Federation | |
Region | Saint Petersburg |
Yelagin Island (
Geography
It is a flat island located in the delta of the Neva River, between the
History
The island initially served as a wooded retreat for the ruling class. Originally known as Melgunov Island, the island takes its present name from its former owner, Ivan Yelagin (1725–93), best known as a founding father of the Russian Freemasonry. The palace was built in 1786 in the eastern section of the island.[2]
In 1817, the island was bought for 350,000 rubles by the Imperial Cabinet on behalf of the Russian Monarchy. The following year the palace grounds underwent a thorough redesigning and restructuring led by architect Carlo Rossi. The works lasted four years and included a vast English landscape garden with a system of canals, bridges and ponds, as well as grottoes and gazebos.[3]
Formerly off-limits for most local people, after the
Current use
In present times Yelagin Island is a popular weekend destination for Petersburgers. Visitors can rent boats to navigate the island's several ponds and canals. There are also rollerblade and bicycle rentals, as well as several attractions for children including pony rides, miniature trains and playgrounds. The island also features several kilometers of paved pathways.
See also
References
- ^ a b Google Earth
- ^ Улицы Питера. Елагин Остров
- ^ Немчинова Д. И. Елагин остров: Дворцово-парковый ансамбль. — Л.: Искусство, Ленингр. отд-ние, 1982. — 136 с. (Nemchinov, D. I. Yelagin Island: The palace and park ensemble)
External links
- Media related to Yelagin Island at Wikimedia Commons