Vasilyevsky Island

Vasilyevsky Island sits between two branches of the Neva and forms part of the historic center of Saint Petersburg. The eastern tip shows classical facades from the 18th century, while farther west residential quarters spread with parks and wider streets.

Peter the Great chose this island in the early 18th century as the heart of his new capital and built palaces and government offices there. Later the city center shifted slightly eastward, but the island remained an important site for science and trade.

Streets in the oldest part still follow a system of numbered lines originally laid out to organize the quarters. Today students and families live in this neighborhood, where bakeries open in the morning and gas lamps light the university entrance at night.

The north side offers an open view of the water and the Peter and Paul Fortress across the river, while the southern quay with its museums tends to be busier. Many spots can be reached on foot if you start in the morning and take time for breaks in the smaller lanes.

Two red columns with anchors stand at the eastern point and once held fire baskets to guide ships. Today these columns are lit with gas flames on special occasions and cast a warm glow on the water at night.