In Russian speech, the arrow refers to the long and narrow cape, which is located at the intersection of water flows. So, for example, in St. Petersburg there are several similar arrows: “Malaya”, separating Malaya and Bolshaya Nevka; then located on Galerny Island, and the most famous Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, related to the main historical symbols of the city.
This is truly one of the most beautiful ensembles located on the
banks of the Neva. Couples and newlyweds love to walk on Strelka, tourists come here from all over the world to enjoy the amazing view of the city from the island. It offers stunning views of the Palace Embankment, the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Currently, the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island is a very recognizable place. Tall rostral columns of red color attract the attention of citizens and guests of the cultural capital. But earlier, 300 years ago, on this very place towers, by no means, towered . The buildings stood for fifteen years, but later, radical changes awaited the territory. According to the plans of Peter the Great, Vasilievsky Island in St. Petersburg was the best suited for the city center.
So, in 1716 a plan was signed, according to which work began on the development of the area under the leadership of
Domenico Trezzini. It was planned to rebuild the houses of influential people of St. Petersburg, the imperial palace, the central square, as well as the
building of the Twelve Colleges, Mytny Dvor, the Academy of Sciences, etc. Unfortunately, the grandiose plans of Peter I and his great architect were not destined to come true. After the death of the emperor, the construction of houses on the island was suspended, and people left the city. The only thing that saved Strelka was the trading port. Here ships unloading from distant countries were unloaded, the stock exchange worked here, and the customs operated.
The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island has again become the center of life of the city. It was called the "place of sale", "The Dutch Exchange", "Cheesecake", "Bird Conservatory". Thanks to trade, Strelka was famous throughout the country. Only here it was possible to buy various foreign outlandish goods, here the sailors rested and the ships were unloaded. In the nineteenth century, the coast of this island of St. Petersburg was expanded and strengthened; a wide marina was built here for the convenience of merchant ships.
Famous lighthouses, decorated like rostral columns, by which we recognize the Spit of the Island, were built in 1810 in order to make it easier for sailors to navigate along the way. Their lights for a long time showed travelers the way to the Big and Small Neva. The columns were decorated with images of the bow of ships and various figures symbolizing the large rivers of the Russian Empire.
The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island is currently one of the most beautiful monuments of the city’s architecture. Here, in the square, an anchor is established in honor of the centenary of St. Petersburg, one of the largest and most beautiful singing fountains in Europe is opened. The Navy Museum, Central Museum of Soil Science and the Kunstkamera are pleased to see visitors daily.