If you decide to visit the northern capital of our homeland, then one of the places that you should definitely visit is Ostrovsky Square, located in the historical center of the city. The place is unusually beautiful and interesting for tourists.
Ostrovsky Street is, one might say, a crossroads, but not roads, but other architectural pearls and sights of St. Petersburg: Malaya Sadovaya, Nevsky Prospekt, Krylov Lane and Architect Rossi Street. As a matter of fact, Karl Rossi is the main “culprit” of the appearance of this architectural ensemble. The only thing that was here before the start of his work was Anichkov Palace. It began to be built already in 1791, during the reign of Empress Elizabeth.
This square combines several attractions. Among them, for example, a monument to Catherine II. It was designed and designed by Mikhail Mikeshin, a talented artist. Near the empress cast in bronze are her immortalized subjects: Suvorov, Potemkin, Rumyantsev, Dashkova and some others. In addition, just recently, at pl. Ostrovsky registered another person next to the great Catherine - a janitor, recreated according to the canons of the XIX century.
The former Chernyshev Bridge, and now the Lomonosov Bridge, will appeal to travelers who love romance. After all, this bridge is thrown over the Fontanka, which means that you can enjoy the noisy waves striking against the stone walls, standing on a magnificent building of the XIX century. It is a pity that now the bridge is no longer movable.
There is also the Lomonosov Square, as well as a bust monument depicting the great scientist.
The Alexandria Theater is another architectural marvel that Ostrovsky Square has at its disposal. It is the oldest theater (drama) in all of St. Petersburg. According to historians, the theater is a reference example of the era of classicism. The building is named after Alexandra Fedorovna - the wife of Nicholas I. By the way, Ostrovsky Square was initially called Alexandria. It was originally supposed that the theater would be intended for the imperial troupe. However, the productions involved a variety of people. The same was true of the public - in addition to the highest privileged persons and entire aristocratic families, middle-class representatives, petty officials, and even students came here. The first performances based on Gogol’s plays were staged here: “Marriage” and, of course, “The Examiner”.
The Academy of Russian Ballet was located right there. Outstanding representatives of the Russian ballet school studied here: Nizhinsky, Pavlova, Ulanova.
Ostrovsky Square is only the last name among all those that this
architectural ensemble wore
. Initially (in 1829) the square was called Anichkova, after (1832) it was called Alexandria, then Theater, and only after that it became Ostrovsky. This name she received in honor of the great Russian writer Nikolai Ostrovsky.
After wandering around this square, you can feel the spirit of St. Petersburg, so on arrival immediately go there!