Izmaylovsky garden, or "Buff": a complete history and modern photos

St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. Many tourists, coming here, do not even bother to pre-book excursions. Just walking around the city and discovering something new and beautiful every day for several months. Some places are attracted not only by their beauty, but also by a special atmosphere, for example, Izmailovsky Garden.

Historical reference

Not all indigenous Petersburgers know that the Fontanka River was once a small stream, and the land in its vicinity was considered suburban. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, it was customary to organize summer cottages and build estates. On the left bank of the Fontanka River, one of the most well-maintained estates was the postmaster Asha. It is believed that he was the first to break a landscaped park around his house in the place where today is the legendary Izmaylovsky Garden. In 1785, Catherine II passes the garden and the manor house of the Academy of Sciences and the Imperial Russian Academy. And a little later the park becomes the property of P. Zubov, the favorite of the empress. The new owner is breaking a luxurious flower garden. However, even under Alexander the First the territory is abandoned. And the park can only be called landscape.

Garden "Buff"

In the early nineteenth century, the green zone gets its modern name. Izmailovsky Garden was named after the eponymous regiment, whose barracks were very close to the Fontanka. In 1888, the park was rented by the German city club "Schuster Club". It was at that time in the recreation area was opened the first restaurant, there was an equipped stage and many other entertainment facilities. Even then, this place became quite popular, but its real dawn was a little later. In 1898 a new tenant appeared at the garden - Pyotr Tumpakov, a merchant who came from Yaroslavl. He demolished almost all the old buildings, erected a new restaurant and theater, which he called "Buff", soon the whole park was called that way. Tumpakov conducted electric lighting in the garden, which was a novelty for that time. In the evenings, there were performances and performances of the most fashionable artists, flower beds and trees were highlighted, and colored lights were lit around. It was an incredibly fashionable place, where all the most notable and wealthy residents of St. Petersburg came.

Park in the days of the USSR

After the events of 1917, the park retained its purpose and overall appearance. The building of the theater was rebuilt and enlarged, there was also a summer veranda where concerts were held, and on weekdays it was possible to play chess. Not too badly damaged Izmailovsky garden, even during the blockade: on its territory, locals broke a garden. After the war, the park was returned the original name, the local theater, respectively, became known as the "Summer Theater of the Izmailovsky Garden." In 1980, a new "Youth Theater" was opened in the green recreation area. In the 90s of the last century, the garden was not properly maintained and was in some kind of desolation, like many other similar facilities throughout the country. The situation began to change for the better since the beginning of the 2000s.

Izmailovsky garden: photo and description of decor

The large-scale reconstruction and improvement of the recreation area was carried out in 2007. Then the old theater building was dismantled and a new three-story building was built. In the park were again defeated luxurious flower beds, new benches and lights appeared, all garbage was cleaned. Although the recreation area is small, it's nice to visit. According to many, like the whole of St. Petersburg, Izmailovsky Garden has a very special aura and atmosphere. Not so long ago the park was decorated with modern sculptures. These are giant squares and spheres that hide in bushes or hang down directly from branches of trees. There are big-eyed fly agarics, windmills and other intricate characters and figures. This arrangement makes the park truly unusual and literally cosmic. Many tourists who come to St. Petersburg for a few days, strive to get into the Izmailovsky Garden and make original photos as a keepsake.

St. Petersburg's angel

In the fall of 2012, a real angel came down to one of the garden benches. No, this is not an excerpt from a mystical novel about St. Petersburg, but quite real notes of contemporaries. Roman Shustrov created the sculpture, and this model became one of the winners. This is a special place - Izmailovsky Garden. The angel set here is also an exception to the rule. It is a small man in a cap and a raincoat with a hard-to-determine age, in his hands a book, and above his head an umbrella. Complement the picture growing from the back of the wings. The author emphasizes that he wanted to depict the collective image of the spirituality of the Petersburg intelligentsia. They were special people born in the beginning of the last century in the Northern capital. Having lived not the simplest and happiest life, they know how to remain young and positive in deep old age, and it is a great pity that every year they are less and less among us.

Where is Izmaylovsky Garden located?

This recreation area is one of the oldest and most legendary in St. Petersburg. Find it quite easily, the exact address: the embankment of the river Fontanka, 114. The solid fence of the park, like the riot of greenery behind it, can be seen from afar. Another landmark is the theater, located right in the green zone. Be sure to take the time and visit the Izmailovsky Gardens during your trip to St. Petersburg. How to get here by public transport? Everything is quite simple - the nearest metro station is the Technological Institute, it is more convenient to ask the road for passers-by or use the navigator.