Krestovsky Island, St. Petersburg

The northern capital of Russia - St. Petersburg - is an amazing city. Tourists come here to visit the Hermitage, see the legendary cruiser Aurora, walk around the fountains of Peterhof, and visit the islands on which it is located.

It is very difficult to say exactly how many parts of the land (islands) separated by the rivers are St. Petersburg, but the Kirov group (Krestovsky, Elagin and Kamenny), created by natural means, especially distinguishes from them.

In this article we will tell about one of them - the Krestovsky Island, located in the western part of the city in the Petrogradsky district.

History of the Krestovsky Island

There are three versions of why the island, located in the north of the Neva delta, is called Krestovsky:

1. By the name of the nearby Krestovka River.
2. Before the erection on this territory, as far back as the 15th and 16th century, there was a chapel on it, a cross from which was found at the beginning of the construction of the manor.
3. In the center of the island there is a lake in the form of a cross.

Even at the very beginning of the construction of St. Petersburg , it was decided that it would be designed to organize the leisure of local residents. At first simple people rested here, but gradually the island was mastered, and on it, one after another, new buildings appeared and the contingent, who began to come here, began to change.

Even at a time when this island was in the possession of the Rozumovsky, there already appeared a palace and park ensemble, several taverns and a yacht club. Now, without a visit to the Krestovsky Island, not one tour of the city on the Neva passes.

Attractions of the Krestovsky Island in St. Petersburg

What is so interesting is there that both the guests and the townspeople are trying to get there? Everything is very simple. After all, on the Krestovsky Island of St. Petersburg there is a park with a lot of attractions, and even a dolphinarium.

Previously, in the Soviet Union, there was opened a large Seaside Victory Park, and in 2003 the island also had an amusement park "Divo Ostrov". They take visitors all year round: in winter you can ride on ice slides and ice rinks, and in summer - on water attractions and merry merry-go-rounds. In total, its territory has about 50 kinds of entertainment for adults and children. Also very often there are organized concerts and various shows.

For a full family rest in the park there are several ponds, comfortable well-groomed alleys and several cafes. Lovers of marine life will enjoy the Utrish Dolphinarium. Its main artists are the Black Sea dolphins, which for the audience gladly dance, sing and even paint pictures.

For sports, there is a large stadium. Kirov, which even hosted the Olympic Games, and a race track, where you can go karting or on real cars.

How to get to Krestovsky Island?

For the convenience of people who want to get into this recreation area, very close to the same metro station was opened. And also in the forest park area of ​​the Krestovsky Island, for the guests of St. Petersburg, a hotel (with the same name) was built. Due to its location on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, surrounded by pine trees, maples and oak trees, guests feel remotely from the city. Although from the center of St. Petersburg here to get by car only 10-15 minutes. The nearest metro station for the hotel guests is a free shuttle bus.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the popularity of this island is growing every year, its coast is increasingly built up by elite villas. Therefore, for recreation on the banks of the Neva and the bay of the common people, there is less space left.