Gazing across the Neva Bay, have you ever wondered about its dual identity? It’s officially the Neva Bay, but it also answers to the Gulf of Kronstadt. This easternmost reach of the Gulf of Finland stretches between Kotlin Island and the mouth of the Neva River, cradling the heart of Saint Petersburg. Neva Bay isn’t just a pretty face. It holds a significant 329 square kilometers of water, separated from the rest of the Gulf of Finland by the impressive Saint Petersburg Dam. This dam, a modern marvel, further expands the enclosed waters to a total of 380 square kilometers. Interestingly, the entirety of the Neva Bay’s coastline falls under the jurisdiction of St. Petersburg, not the Leningrad Oblast. Now, for a bit of local lore. Neva Bay carries a quirky nickname, “the Marquis’ Puddle.” This moniker comes from Jean Baptiste, Marquis de Traversay, a former Russian naval minister. He found the bay’s relatively shallow waters perfect for naval exercises, hence the playful nickname. It’s amusing to think of this vast expanse of water as someone’s “puddle,” isn’t it? Today, the Saint Petersburg Dam stands as a barrier between the Neva Bay and the open Baltic Sea, protecting the city from flooding while still preserving the unique character of this “puddle” for all to admire.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to