Old Saint Petersburg - 3 (25 photos)

Here you see a contented hero in the narrative. What is he happy about? He reached the final destination of the journey.

This journey (or, more precisely, a walk) began from the side of Nevsky Prospekt along the Griboyedov Canal. Our hero put forward different versions of the appearance of this city on old maps. Ignore his words. Most likely he is mistaken. After all, there is an official version. But I think that the truth is somewhere in between and it does not coincide with the verity. This is how our world works.

Last time we stopped at the grand gate that leads (or used to) to the inner harbor of New Holland Island. The Emperor of All Russia Peter 1 loved Western manners and fashion trends. He had a long visit to Europe and in particular to Holland. It is believed that he wanted to learn from the experience of building sailing ships. Let's omit this part of his biography, it is not clear enough. Here again conspiracy theories are involved. One way or another, but I think that the name of this island has to do with that trip of the emperor.

We are still separated by the Griboyedov Canal, but we have almost come to the bridge that leads to this wonderful island. The buildings that are located on it are visible. During my service in the Navy, there were various military depots here. Here I received diving equipment for my ship. This also brought decommissioned equipment and equipment. This territory was considered a regime and the entrance here for the townspeople was prohibited.

But times have changed. However, in order to continue the walk, I will show you some passing pictures. They do not belong to New Holland, but represent part of the old city.

Yes, the facades of these houses have long been asking for repair or even restoration. These pictures were taken 3 years ago. It was mid-September. Perhaps something has already been repaired, I have not tested it.
But notice how these facades are decorated. On the one hand, it is modest, but there is solidity and grace in it.

We did not immediately go to the island itself, at first we entered from the other side of it. I took some pictures there.

Behind me there is a canal that leads to the Neva. Previously, it connected the Neva and another canal, which led to the Main Admiralty complex.

That channel runs along the island of New Holland and abuts against Truda Square.

These two pictures were taken from the island already, but they just clarify my story here. By the way, according to the fact that you see in the last photo, I drove to the naval warehouses.

The time has come. If you go through the main entrance, it will be the first thing that you see. The territory is well-groomed, the buildings have been restored. A lot of money has been invested here, but the return on this place is great. Now it is a shopping and entertainment area. It is not officially called that, but this is its real essence. However, I do not see anything wrong with that. The townspeople got one more opportunity to spend their free time. Why not.

***

In order to understand where we are, I bring this picture from the Internet. Now we will enter that round building, or rather, its courtyard. Looking at its decoration, it is difficult to believe that at one time this building was ... a prison. Yes, these are the zigzags of history. I suggest taking a walk around the former prison.

Nice courtyard for a prison, isn't it. Let's go inside. I don’t think it was like that with the prisoners ...

Не думаю, что переплёты окон похожи на те решётки, через которые заключённые смотрели во двор. Попробуем соответствовать духу этого места...

It could have been noir, but I don't want to end on such a dark note.

The photo of your hero the narrator was taken inside this monster. On this, let me take my leave and lower the curtain.

Thank you for stopping by and reading to the end.
Until next time, friends.

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Camera	Sony A57
Lens	35 1,4 G
Location	Russia
Post-production	in LR

Manual processing in Lightroom

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