Why should you visit the Field of Mars in St. Petersburg?

Why does the Field of Mars attract foreigners? The history of this amazing place can clarify and explain much for a nonresident tourist. Here, several epochs seem to have met at one point, without at the same time not contradicting each other. This place continues to be relevant for various city events and recreation. On a summer day, the townspeople like to spend the days visiting the Field of Mars: walks around Petersburg give a sense of tranquility, the beauty of the park zone and the pleasant atmosphere help to feel real relaxation and aesthetic pleasure. What do you need to know about such a place as the Field of Mars in St. Petersburg? Perhaps, it is necessary to understand more in detail.

Architectural ensemble of the Field of Mars

What to look for when visiting the Field of Mars in St. Petersburg? The history of this place is connected with the monuments that are in the park area, and with the sights located in the immediate vicinity. The territory of the square is really large (about 9 hectares). Monumental obelisk - a monument to the victims of the Revolution is in the middle of the green zone. In the northern part of the park there is a monument to the commander Suvorov. Nearby is also the Marble Palace, which at the moment functions as a branch of the Russian Museum. The barracks of the Pavlovsky Life Guards regiment are also included in the ensemble of the Field of Mars. On a walk through the territory of the park you can also appreciate the perspective of such attractions as the Mikhailovsky Palace and the Church of the Savior on the Blood.

Historical background

In the beginning of XVII the local area was surrounded by water from all four sides and represented a swamp. Later the territory was drained, and thanks to this it became possible to conduct military exercises, city festivities. The names changed: The Sweet Meadow (Bolshoy, Tsaritsyn) and the final "Field of Mars". It was assigned to the territory in the 18-19th centuries. The name was associated with military parades and exercises on the ground and was especially strengthened after the monument to commander AV Suvorov was installed.

For about two centuries the park area served as a place for people's festivities and parades, when, as after the revolution, a memorial zone also appeared: the burial of the victims of the revolution in mass graves was organized. By the present moment, the Monument to the Victims of the Revolution is no longer of a vivid Bolshevik orientation, rather, this monument is dedicated to all people who died during the Revolutions. Because of this the name of the park was temporarily changed: it was known as the "Victims of the Revolution Square". It was assigned to the territory until 1944.

A good service in the name of the lives of people who lived in Leningrad during the siege years was served by the Field of Mars: it was here that vegetable gardens were spontaneously set up for growing vegetables. From there, a salute commenced in honor of the day of the lifting of the blockade on January 27, 1944. Later, in 1957, a commemorative Eternal Flame, the first in the country, was lit on the memorial. The exposition "Eternal Flame" was restored in 2005, and to this day it burns in memory of the victims of revolutions and wars. What is the Field of Mars now?

The Mars Field in St. Petersburg: Contemporary Importance for the City

To date, the Field of Mars is one of the favorite pastime places for Petersburgers in the summer. The territory retains its historical function. This is primarily one of the most important places of memory, where such memorial events as "Minute of Silence" are taking place, laying flowers at the monument to victims of revolutions and wars. In addition, there are city flash mobs, rallies and meetings of activists of various directions.

For example, one of the most recent high-profile events held by St. Petersburg, you can highlight flash memory of Alan Rickman's memory, when a lot of people came to participate or watch from the side. The organizers invited all who came to simultaneously wave the luminous "magic wand" and send them up. One of the favorite places for walks of citizens and visitors of the city is the Field of Mars in St. Petersburg!

How to get there

The Champ de Mars is a pleasant park area. To enjoy the unique view of one of the main memorial places of St. Petersburg, there are several variants of the route. The first best option is to get off at the Gostiny Dvor metro station, go along Sadovaya Street, which is to the right of the exit from the station, go Nevsky Prospekt through the underground passage and then go along the street in the direction of its beginning. The street rests on the Field of Mars, so finding it will not be very difficult. Another option may be the path from the metro station "Gorkovskaya", then you need to head towards the Neva River directly along Kantemirovsky Prospekt and cross the Troitsky Bridge. From this point you can get to the northern part of the park.

Why prepare?

The park does not have any fences and work schedule, it is open to visitors around the clock, at night, beautifully lit by flashlights. It is worth noting, often the park is visited by dog owners, but the territory is always clean, and dogs are only walking in muzzles. The square is surrounded on three sides by water: from here one can go to the Kutuzov embankment, to the Lebyazhy grove or to the Moika River.

Places similar to the Field of Mars: gardens and parks

It's very pleasant to walk in St. Petersburg, even in bad weather, at such moments you can feel the most famous atmosphere of St. Petersburg. "The Mars field in St. Petersburg is not the only interesting park zone, not far from it are such parks as the Summer Garden and Mikhailovsky, each Which are beautiful in their own way.When going to St. Petersburg, you need to visit such famous locations as Elagin Island and the Park of the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg.