Theatre Square, Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Theatre Square is a broad, flat square in Saint Petersburg, Russia, with an asphalt surface marked by dark patches and a long crack. The roadway narrows toward a distant pale building with a green dome and a taller gold dome behind it, while low pale buildings line the left and right edges.

The square appeared in the 1760s and was first called Merry-go-round Square after the horse games held there. It received its current name in the 19th century, and over time it became home to major theatres and a conservatory.

The square takes its name from the theatres that frame it, and locals often gather near the Mariinsky Theatre before performances. The nearby conservatory adds a musical feel, with students and performers moving through the area during the day.

The square is easy to reach on foot from nearby streets and canals, and its open layout makes it simple to orient yourself. Visit in the evening or during the White Nights festival for a lively scene, and wear comfortable shoes for walking on the asphalt.

The square once had tram tracks, but they were removed in 2010, changing the way the space is used. The building that now houses the conservatory stands on the site of an earlier stone theatre that was rebuilt several times.