“Big Square” it was once called. Today we stand on \u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u043a\u0430\u044f \u043f\u043b\u043e\u0449\u0430\u0434\u044c. It is one of the oldest squares in the city. This spot holds significant historical importance.
\u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u043a\u0430\u044f \u043f\u043b\u043e\u0449\u0430\u0434\u044c emerged in the early 18th century. Back then the island was called Gorodskoy. The square got its name from the \u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u0435-\u041f\u0435\u0442\u0440\u043e\u0432\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0439 wooden church. The church was built in 1711 and rebuilt in stone in 1756. Sadly it was demolished in 1933.
Until 1730 this \u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u043a\u0430\u044f \u043f\u043b\u043e\u0449\u0430\u0434\u044c was the administrative center of Saint Petersburg. Important buildings were located here. These included the Gostiny Dvor and the Senate. The Synod college also stood here. There was a printing house. You would find a pharmacy and the Armory yard. The city’s first port was in the southern part of the square.
\u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u043a\u0430\u044f \u043f\u043b\u043e\u0449\u0430\u0434\u044c hosted parades and festivals. It also saw masquerades. Later the administrative center moved to Vasilyevsky Island.
In the 20th century the square changed. In 1903 the \u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u043a\u0438\u0439 bridge appeared. In 1906 a mansion was built for Kshesinskaya. She was a famous ballerina of the Mariinsky Theater. In 1933 the House of Political Prisoners was completed. In 1956 the building of “LenNIIP project” was finished. Since 1948 there has been a square on \u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u043a\u0430\u044f \u043f\u043b\u043e\u0449\u0430\u0434\u044c.
The square had different names. In the 19th century it was sometimes called Petrovskaya. From 1918 to 1923 it was called Kommunarov Square. From 1923 to 1991 it was Revolution Square. After that its historical name was returned. In 1990 a Solovetsky stone was placed in the square. It stands near the House of Political Prisoners. There are plans to erect a monument to political repression victims.
In 2003 a chapel named \u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u044b \u0416\u0438\u0432\u043e\u043d\u0430\u0447\u0430\u043b\u044c\u043d\u043e\u0439 was opened. The chapel commemorates the 300th anniversary of the city.
This historic square has witnessed many events. It has transformed over the centuries. Today \u0422\u0440\u043e\u0438\u0446\u043a\u0430\u044f \u043f\u043b\u043e\u0449\u0430\u0434\u044c stands as a testament to Saint Petersburg’s rich past. It reminds us of the city’s evolution. It has grown from an administrative hub to a vibrant public space.