In Russian speech, an arrow is a long and narrow cape, which is located at the intersection of water streams. So, for example, in St. Petersburg there are several such arrows: "Small", dividing the Small and the Great Nevki; Then located on Galerny Island, and the most famous Spit of Vasilievsky Island, which belongs to the main historical symbols of the city.
This is truly one of the most beautiful ensembles on the banks of the Neva. On Strelka love couples and newlyweds like to walk, tourists come here from all over the world to admire the delightful view of the city from the island. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Palace Embankment, the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Currently, the Spit of Vasilievsky Island - a place very recognizable. High rostral columns of red color attract attention of citizens and guests of the cultural capital. But earlier, 300 years ago, in this very place towers, not winds, were towers . The buildings stood for fifteen years, but later the territory was awaited by fundamental changes. According to the plans of Peter the Great, Vasilievsky Island in St. Petersburg could not be better suited for the city center. So, in 1716 a plan was signed, on which work began on the construction of the area under the direction of Domenico Trezzini. It was planned to rebuild the houses of the influential people of Petersburg, the Imperial Palace, the central square, and also the building of the Twelve Colleges, Mytny Dvor, the Academy of Sciences, etc. Unfortunately, the grandiose plans of Peter I and his great architect were not to come true. After the death of the emperor, the construction of houses on the island was suspended, and people left the city. The only thing that saved Strelka is a commercial port. The ships that came from distant countries were unloaded here, the stock exchange worked there, customs functioned. The arrow of Vasilievsky Island again became the center of life of the city. It was called the "place of market", "the Dutch Stock Exchange", "Vatrushka", "Bird Conservatory". Thanks to the trade, Arrow was famous throughout the country. Only here it was possible to buy various foreign strange goods, here the sailors rested and the ships were unloaded. In the nineteenth century, the shore of this island of St. Petersburg was expanded and fortified, a wide marina was built here for the convenience of merchant ships.
Famous beacons decorated like rostral columns, through which we recognize the Island's arrow, were built in 1810 to make it easier for seafarers to navigate the way. Their lights have long indicated to travelers the way to the Great and Little Neva. The columns were decorated with images of ship's noses and various figures symbolizing the large rivers of the Russian Empire.
The arrow of the Vasilievsky Island is now one of the most beautiful monuments of the city architecture. Here in the square an anchor is installed in honor of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, one of the largest and most beautiful singing fountains in Europe is open. The Museum of the Navy, the Central Museum of Soil Science and the Kunstkamera are glad to see visitors daily.