Vassilievski Island

Our expert Russia

Vassilievski Island

Vassilievski Island Vassilievski Island was originally the administrative centre of the capital. © Ludovic Maisant

Originally, Vassilievski Island was the administrative centre of the capital city. Close to the Strelka, the headland closing in the eastern part of the island, a beautiful panorama over the Neva reveals itself. On Stock Exchange square, two columns were erected to the Russian Navy's glory, close to the Navy museum. On both sides of the building, in the old warehouses, are the Zoology museum and the Russian literature museum. University quay, along the southern coast, is lined with superb XVIIIc buildings, particularly Kunstkamera, which houses Peter the Great's cabinet of curiosities. While walking on along the quay, you will pass the Science Academy and, further down, the beautiful Menchikov Palace group of buildings, now used as an annex to the Hermitage museum.