Imagine a city within a city. That’s Apraksin Yard. This sprawling market and retail block covers 14 hectares. That is about 35 acres. It sits between Sadovaya Street and the Fontanka River. It’s just southwest of the Alexandrinsky Theatre.
The first market here started in the mid-18th century. Count Apraksin owned the land. So the market got its name from him. Later, a merchant named Shchukin bought part of it. That section became known as Shchukin Dvor. The early market buildings were wooden. They burned down in 1782.
In 1863, a new department store opened nearby. Geronimo Corsini designed it. Over the next decade, more than 45 shops appeared. By 1913, Apraksin Yard had over 500 shops. Shchukin Dvor housed another 270 wholesale businesses.
After the Russian Revolution in 1917, things changed. Most Apraksin Yard buildings became depots and warehouses.
Fast forward to the 21st century. Apraksin Yard was a city block of downmarket shops. They faced the street. Inside, there was an open-air market. It mainly sold clothing and accessories. This enormous retail area was in the city center. The city center was becoming more upscale.
A long-term renovation plan began. Market stalls were removed in 2008 and 2009. They moved to the Grazhdansky Rynok market. This market is on the edge of the city. The plan is to create a modern space. It will include retail, offices, residences, a hotel, and cultural venues. Wilkinson Eyre Architects and Foster and Partners are leading the design.
Every local knows “Aprashka”. That is the market’s nickname. It is a cultural landmark with its own history. Apraksin Yard is over 266 years old. It has survived fires and bombings.
In 1833, Nicholas I ordered the merger of Apraksin and Shchukin yards. It became one large market. It was named after Count Apraksin. Before World War I, Apraksin Yard was the largest wholesale market in Europe. During Soviet times, it was a center for commission trade.
During the Leningrad blockade, Apraksin Yard suffered. Shells and bombs damaged the shopping complex. Building number 1, facing Sadovaya Street, was heavily hit. Walls, arches, and floors were destroyed. However, it was quickly restored.
Citizens traded goods at Apraksin Yard during the blockade. They sold or exchanged items for scarce food. A food distribution point operated on Lomonosov Street. Thousands lined up daily for a small piece of bread.
Today, Apraksin Yard is a cultural heritage site. It covers 14 hectares. It contains 57 buildings. Most of them are owned by the city. These buildings were mostly built between 1870 and 1880. They still stand. The atmosphere today is unique. Vendors sell goods both inside and outside. Many sellers are from other countries. They offer deals on supposed brand-name items.
Apraksin Yard stands as a testament to time. It has adapted through centuries of change. It is now on Garden Street 28/30. It is a place where history and commerce intertwine. It is waiting to be reborn again.