Letnyi Sad (Summer Gardens) Parks, Gardens & Cemeteries
Elegant Gardens by the Neva
St Petersburg,
Leningradskaya, 191
Russian Federation
+7 812 314 0374Transport Options:
Train Available: Gostinii Dvor
Overview
In 1704, Peter the Great employed Frenchman Le Blond to design a luxurious formal garden in the manner of Versailles. In 1777, the beautiful garden with fountains, imported trees and more than 200 Italian statues was unfortunately ruined by a flood. Today's slightly more austere incarnation can be ascribed to the more restrained taste of Catherine the Great. Nowadays, more than 80 statues are here—in winter they are eerily encased in wooden boxes for protection from the winter elements; in summer, the relaxed calm of the gardens makes it a popular destination for weddings and parties. You can expect to pay a small fee to enter the gardens.
The statues and atmosphere are incredible here. Definitely something you should do if you are there for an extended stay but I wouldn't put it at the top of the list if you are on a short trip.
The most amazing thing about the Letniy Sad are the beautiful statues. It is great in the summer time, when the swans are in the lake, and it is quite great to eat ice cream, as someone said it in the earlier review. However, the history goes beyond ice-cream. You have to be able to feel the atmosphere, and realize that you are walking in the footsteps of such great people as Pushkin, Tchakovsky, and the carzs. Or maybe remember the WWII, when Letniy Sad saved lives, by being the only place where people could grow vegetables, during the 900 days of hunger. It is more than a pice of hitory and a peace of architecture. It is the very beaitng heart of St. Petersburg. This amazing city has its own soul, that you can feel through its buildings. I strongly suggest that every one go to St. Petersburg. You'll never forget the unbaelivalbe journey, that will capure your soul.
I spent a few days in St Petersburg a few years ago. One of my favorite experiences of the trip was enjoying ice cream at the Summer Gardens. This was a daily ritual for us during our trip. Although the weather was terribly warm while we were there, the Summer Gardens were always cool and refreshing.
