New Holland Island, Cultural island in Admiralteysky District, Saint Petersburg, Russia
New Holland Island is an artificial island in the Admiralteysky District of Saint Petersburg bordered by canals and containing restored 18th-century brick warehouses. The grounds include a public park with lawn areas, waterfront walkways and covered courtyards between the historic storage buildings.
Peter the Great ordered the island created in the early 18th century by connecting canals to form a protected harbor for shipbuilding and storage. During the 19th century, naval testing facilities and military workshops were built here and remained in use into the early 20th century.
The name recalls Dutch shipbuilders who worked here under Peter the Great and brought their craft techniques to Russia. Locals now use the waterfront benches for relaxation while open-air performances and screenings take place regularly in the central courtyard.
Visitors reach the island through pedestrian bridges from the surrounding embankments, and the site is accessible for people with limited mobility. The lawn areas provide space for sitting during summer months, while covered sections offer shelter during rain.
An old testing basin from the late 19th century still sits on the grounds and was formerly used to test ship models before full-scale construction. Engineers conducted experiments here for over 15 years before the facility abandoned its original purpose.
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