Smolenka, Urban river in Vasilyevsky District, Saint Petersburg, Russia
The Smolenka is a river in Vasilyevsky District that flows for approximately 3.7 kilometers, separating Vasilyevsky Island from Decembrists Island before emptying into the Gulf of Finland. Five bridges cross the waterway, including the Korablestroiteley Bridge, Nalichny Bridge, and Smolensky Bridge.
The waterway was originally called Black River and received its current name in 1864 after a nearby settlement of craftsmen from the Smolensk region. This renaming marked the growing urban development of Saint Petersburg during the 19th century.
The river borders the Smolensk Cemetery, which holds graves of notable Russian artists, scientists, and military figures. This burial ground shapes the character of the waterway and reflects its importance to the city.
The banks are easily accessible from several bridges that connect both sides and offer different routes through the area. The best time to explore is during warmer months when the paths are more comfortable to navigate.
Between 1970 and 1972, engineers straightened and canalized the river section from KIM Avenue to its mouth in the Gulf of Finland. This modification still shapes how the waterway appears and functions in this area today.
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