24 August 2020
Guide to New Holland Island and Kolomna District in St. Petersburg
I am thrilled to tell you about my favourite place in central St. Petersburg – the red-bricked island of New Holland!
New Holland added some long-awaited hipster vibes and fresh air to the city that remained too classic and stagnant for many decades. Since the moment when the island was turned into the trendy recreational zone, a new era in the life of St. Petersburg started and other modern arty clusters followed. And the beautiful Kolomna Neighbourhood, where New Holland is situated, is currently experiencing the rebirth.
From semi-deserted island with one of the main symbols of the area - an impressive arch overgrown with trees - New Holland got miraculously transformed into the modern park and space with amazing events and lots of different cafes, local designer shops and ballet studios that has no equals in St. Petersburg.
It is probably the first place in St. Petersburg that was reconstructed with so much style on the edge of traditional and modern, that is eco-friendly and contemporary. In other words, it is a must-see if you come to our city, in any season!
New Holland added some long-awaited hipster vibes and fresh air to the city that remained too classic and stagnant for many decades. Since the moment when the island was turned into the trendy recreational zone, a new era in the life of St. Petersburg started and other modern arty clusters followed. And the beautiful Kolomna Neighbourhood, where New Holland is situated, is currently experiencing the rebirth.
From semi-deserted island with one of the main symbols of the area - an impressive arch overgrown with trees - New Holland got miraculously transformed into the modern park and space with amazing events and lots of different cafes, local designer shops and ballet studios that has no equals in St. Petersburg.
It is probably the first place in St. Petersburg that was reconstructed with so much style on the edge of traditional and modern, that is eco-friendly and contemporary. In other words, it is a must-see if you come to our city, in any season!
History of New Holland
The island was created artificially in the beginning of the 18th century when two channels were dug in the area, Kryukov and Admiralteisky, to serve the Admiralty Docks. The Admiralty shipyards are still situated in this area, but now they were moved more towards the Gulf of Finland - you will see its numerous and not really beautiful shipbuilding facilities when you visit New Holland.
Either because many dockworkers at that time were Dutch or because Dutch technologies were used for the storage of ship wood, the island got the name of New Holland. At that time, the island's main purpose was to store timber for shipbuilding, as it was supposed to be save from the fires on the mainland.
In the 1760-s warehouses were rebuilt in brick. Architects Savva Chevakinsky and Vallin de la Mothe created an impressive project with several giant buildings that should have been connected with two column arches and plastered. In the course of the Russian-Turkish war the funding for the project was cut and the buildings remained red-bricked and only one arch was constructed, under it the navigation channel that connected the basin on the island with the Moika River was dug. Since then the arch and red bricks are New Holland's hallmark.
The island was created artificially in the beginning of the 18th century when two channels were dug in the area, Kryukov and Admiralteisky, to serve the Admiralty Docks. The Admiralty shipyards are still situated in this area, but now they were moved more towards the Gulf of Finland - you will see its numerous and not really beautiful shipbuilding facilities when you visit New Holland.
Either because many dockworkers at that time were Dutch or because Dutch technologies were used for the storage of ship wood, the island got the name of New Holland. At that time, the island's main purpose was to store timber for shipbuilding, as it was supposed to be save from the fires on the mainland.
In the 1760-s warehouses were rebuilt in brick. Architects Savva Chevakinsky and Vallin de la Mothe created an impressive project with several giant buildings that should have been connected with two column arches and plastered. In the course of the Russian-Turkish war the funding for the project was cut and the buildings remained red-bricked and only one arch was constructed, under it the navigation channel that connected the basin on the island with the Moika River was dug. Since then the arch and red bricks are New Holland's hallmark.
Photo A. Golovdinov
In 1830, an absolutely circle building of the naval prison was built on the island to the project of Alexander Shtaubert. It was truly innovative – there the prisoners mastered new professions and received a salary that was paid to them when they were released.
In 1830, an absolutely circle building of the naval prison was built on the island to the project of Alexander Shtaubert. It was truly innovative – there the prisoners mastered new professions and received a salary that was paid to them when they were released.
The prison was nicknamed the Bottle House by locals due to its unusual circle shape. They also invented the new expression "do not get into the bottle", that is still in use by us! It means literally – do not do anything wrong or do not point out other people's weaknesses.
Although New Holland was relatively save from the fires in the city, it did not avoid the fire that started on the very island in 1900 – many of its buildings were severely damaged.
During the World War I the radio station was equipped on the island that connected St. Petersburg with the Baltic and Black Seas. In November 1917 Vladimir Lenin announced from here to the navy and army that the city was captured by Bolsheviks, after that he regularly used it for other speeches (he liked making speeches).
In the course of the World War II the island was seriously damaged by shell fire. Throughout the entire 20th century New Holland continued to belong to the military with restricted access for the locals, slowly turning into the ruins.
During the World War I the radio station was equipped on the island that connected St. Petersburg with the Baltic and Black Seas. In November 1917 Vladimir Lenin announced from here to the navy and army that the city was captured by Bolsheviks, after that he regularly used it for other speeches (he liked making speeches).
In the course of the World War II the island was seriously damaged by shell fire. Throughout the entire 20th century New Holland continued to belong to the military with restricted access for the locals, slowly turning into the ruins.
Some people say think that New Holland is another masonic sight of St. Petersburg. Why? The shape of this artificial island is triangular and inside you will see an absolutely circle building of the Bottle House – these are masonic symbols.
Beautiful red-brick mansion at the corner of Pisareva Street and Moika River that is clearly seen from New Holland also has masonic symbols – see the divider and the triangle on its façade. However, its owner and author, famous architect Viktor Schröter was saying that these were just the signs of his profession – architecture.
Beautiful red-brick mansion at the corner of Pisareva Street and Moika River that is clearly seen from New Holland also has masonic symbols – see the divider and the triangle on its façade. However, its owner and author, famous architect Viktor Schröter was saying that these were just the signs of his profession – architecture.
Modern Era of New Holland
The idea to turn the semi-deserted island into the cultural space first appeared in the 1970-s, but it took our city's government more than 30 years to announce the public competition for that.
Many famous architects from around the world, such as Norman Foster, participated in the competition. Although their projects were really innovative and cutting edge, most of them required the demolition of some of the historical buildings on the island to create glass and iron high-tech structures that would have changed dramatically the initial architectural ensemble of New Holland. Maybe, therefore the more classical project of Millhouse, the company owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich, won the competition.
In 2010, massive reconstruction works began on an island under the supervision of Dasha Zhukova, the former wife of Roman Abramovich and patron of the modern arts. By that time, she already founded the Garage Museum in Moscow, currently one of the most popular venues in the capital for modern art lovers. The team of the Garage Museum has been working on the New Holland's cultural agenda since then and they have been doing their job brilliantly. Some of Garage's exhibitions also take place on New Holland and there is Garage Bookstore in the Bottle House.
Between 2011 and 2013 a temporary lawn with space for gardening where all the locals could have planted something was laid out on an island and a couple of outdoor cafes were open while all the buildings were closed for reconstruction. Although New Holland operated in the testing mode and only in summers, it quickly became incredibly popular with the locals – some people would come there to work and yoga teachers started giving their lessons for a donation (something that they still do).
The idea to turn the semi-deserted island into the cultural space first appeared in the 1970-s, but it took our city's government more than 30 years to announce the public competition for that.
Many famous architects from around the world, such as Norman Foster, participated in the competition. Although their projects were really innovative and cutting edge, most of them required the demolition of some of the historical buildings on the island to create glass and iron high-tech structures that would have changed dramatically the initial architectural ensemble of New Holland. Maybe, therefore the more classical project of Millhouse, the company owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich, won the competition.
In 2010, massive reconstruction works began on an island under the supervision of Dasha Zhukova, the former wife of Roman Abramovich and patron of the modern arts. By that time, she already founded the Garage Museum in Moscow, currently one of the most popular venues in the capital for modern art lovers. The team of the Garage Museum has been working on the New Holland's cultural agenda since then and they have been doing their job brilliantly. Some of Garage's exhibitions also take place on New Holland and there is Garage Bookstore in the Bottle House.
Between 2011 and 2013 a temporary lawn with space for gardening where all the locals could have planted something was laid out on an island and a couple of outdoor cafes were open while all the buildings were closed for reconstruction. Although New Holland operated in the testing mode and only in summers, it quickly became incredibly popular with the locals – some people would come there to work and yoga teachers started giving their lessons for a donation (something that they still do).
Since 2016 New Holland is open for visitors all year round - with modern "New Wave" landscape design and the layout theme it might remind you High Line in New York, and, indeed, similar companies were involved in the initial development of these amazing public spaces. But our New Holland also boosts historic architecture of 18th and 19thcenturies, carefully restored, and a lot of space for lawns, sports playgrounds, a pool and even the huge model of the frigate where children can play all year round (and some adults would love to join them too).
Every year some new spaces on New Holland get open and it does not stop surprise us! This year a new alley with decorative blooming trees has been laid out and one of 18th centuries warehouses is going to be open. It already houses the new project from Cococo Restaurant team – Cococo Bistro with amazing terrace. What will be inside this warehouse is a secret, but rumour has it that there will be a huge concert venue.
Every year some new spaces on New Holland get open and it does not stop surprise us! This year a new alley with decorative blooming trees has been laid out and one of 18th centuries warehouses is going to be open. It already houses the new project from Cococo Restaurant team – Cococo Bistro with amazing terrace. What will be inside this warehouse is a secret, but rumour has it that there will be a huge concert venue.
The Bottle House Today
Perhaps, the most impressive building of New Holland at the moment is the Bottle House with a charming and absolutely round inner yard where you will find round marble tables and round stage in the centre – here various live music concerts take place in the summer time (normally from May till end of September), some of them are free. And at the tables you can enjoy your takeaways from nearby restaurants, work with your laptop or simply chat with friends. In the summertime, the yard is decorated with exotic plants, banana trees and olives, and birds singing (albeit in record) in the background create wonderful relaxing atmosphere.
The Bottle House inside is no less stylish – it has been carefully reconstructed in the loft and Art Deco style and it is worth your attention! Just look at those old-fashioned window latches (and no cheap plastic, thanks God!). Thanks to our local bureau Ludi Architects and architect Liubov Leontieva for that!
The ground floor of the Bottle House has numerous cafes with all types of cuisine and their meals are available for takeaway – you can enjoy eating them in the Bottle House Yard or on the beautiful green lawns of the island.
Perhaps, the most impressive building of New Holland at the moment is the Bottle House with a charming and absolutely round inner yard where you will find round marble tables and round stage in the centre – here various live music concerts take place in the summer time (normally from May till end of September), some of them are free. And at the tables you can enjoy your takeaways from nearby restaurants, work with your laptop or simply chat with friends. In the summertime, the yard is decorated with exotic plants, banana trees and olives, and birds singing (albeit in record) in the background create wonderful relaxing atmosphere.
The Bottle House inside is no less stylish – it has been carefully reconstructed in the loft and Art Deco style and it is worth your attention! Just look at those old-fashioned window latches (and no cheap plastic, thanks God!). Thanks to our local bureau Ludi Architects and architect Liubov Leontieva for that!
The ground floor of the Bottle House has numerous cafes with all types of cuisine and their meals are available for takeaway – you can enjoy eating them in the Bottle House Yard or on the beautiful green lawns of the island.
The first and second floors have very interesting shops with clothes and accessories of local designers, thematic bookstores, high quality Russian wooden toys for children and much more. Here you will also find the Context Ballet and Yoga Studio of Diana Vishneva - probably, our most famous ballet dancer at the moment. She is holding contemporary dance events in New Holland from time to time and if you are lucky enough, you can see her and her fellow ballet dancers performing on the stage of the Bottle House Yard.
Her studio organises yoga lessons in summertime in the lawn of New Holland – and everyone can join them for a small donation. It is a good way to start your day and you don't have to come with your yoga stuff, as there are some free yoga mats in the studio!
Apart from the Context Studio, there are other sports studios, for instance, Boxing Club, that is nowadays equally popular among men and women, hairdressers, barbershops and so much more! It means that even if the weather outside is not so enjoyable, you will not be bored on New Holland – the Bottle House facilities will keep you entertained!
Her studio organises yoga lessons in summertime in the lawn of New Holland – and everyone can join them for a small donation. It is a good way to start your day and you don't have to come with your yoga stuff, as there are some free yoga mats in the studio!
Apart from the Context Studio, there are other sports studios, for instance, Boxing Club, that is nowadays equally popular among men and women, hairdressers, barbershops and so much more! It means that even if the weather outside is not so enjoyable, you will not be bored on New Holland – the Bottle House facilities will keep you entertained!
What to do on New Holland?
See where New Holland and nearest metro stations are situated on the map
Getting to New Holland
New Island is located close to St. Basil's Island and St. Isaac's Square. The nearest metro stations are Sennaya/Sadovaya and Admiralteyskaya.
Walking along the Griboedov Canal from Sennaya Station to the Theatre Square and then across Moika River will take you around 25 minutes. Along the way, you will see the places described in detail by Dostoevsky in his Crime and Punishment.
Admiralteyskaya Station is closer – in around 15-20 minutes – and when walking from there you will have you a totally different view of the ceremonial St. Petersburg, for in that area Imperial aristocracy used to live. St. Isaac's Square and its surroundings are still a popular venue for luxury hotels. Some of the historic hotels, such as Astoria and Angleterre, are located there. You can also pass by the Yusupov Palace on the Moika River, modest from outside, but absolutely luxurious inside.
You can easily walk to New Holland from St. Basil's Island, the Hermitage or the Nevsky Prospect, the journey will take you 20 to 30 minutes and there are various routes along the embankments or avenues that you can choose, all very picturesque and impressive.
New Holland Rules and Working Hours
It is not allowed to take alcohol or drinks in glass bottles with you on an island. You can't take your pets with you either and smoking is only allowed in specially designated areas.
New Holland is open for visitors daily from 9 am until 10 pm from Monday to Thursday and until 11 pm from Friday to Sunday. On the days of special events, concerts and cinema screenings working hours may be extended.
Audio-guides and useful souvenirs
If you come here for the first time, you can pop into the Informational Point, located near one of the entrances from the Admiralty Channel to pick up an audio guide in Russian or English and discover the island's history and present life in detail. There you will also find lovely souvenirs with New Holland emblem – the gull – that are also really useful! Some of them are made of recycled materials, for instance, now, they are selling amazing shopper bags and purses made of mesh banner used during the reconstruction.
See where New Holland and nearest metro stations are situated on the map
Getting to New Holland
New Island is located close to St. Basil's Island and St. Isaac's Square. The nearest metro stations are Sennaya/Sadovaya and Admiralteyskaya.
Walking along the Griboedov Canal from Sennaya Station to the Theatre Square and then across Moika River will take you around 25 minutes. Along the way, you will see the places described in detail by Dostoevsky in his Crime and Punishment.
Admiralteyskaya Station is closer – in around 15-20 minutes – and when walking from there you will have you a totally different view of the ceremonial St. Petersburg, for in that area Imperial aristocracy used to live. St. Isaac's Square and its surroundings are still a popular venue for luxury hotels. Some of the historic hotels, such as Astoria and Angleterre, are located there. You can also pass by the Yusupov Palace on the Moika River, modest from outside, but absolutely luxurious inside.
You can easily walk to New Holland from St. Basil's Island, the Hermitage or the Nevsky Prospect, the journey will take you 20 to 30 minutes and there are various routes along the embankments or avenues that you can choose, all very picturesque and impressive.
New Holland Rules and Working Hours
It is not allowed to take alcohol or drinks in glass bottles with you on an island. You can't take your pets with you either and smoking is only allowed in specially designated areas.
New Holland is open for visitors daily from 9 am until 10 pm from Monday to Thursday and until 11 pm from Friday to Sunday. On the days of special events, concerts and cinema screenings working hours may be extended.
Audio-guides and useful souvenirs
If you come here for the first time, you can pop into the Informational Point, located near one of the entrances from the Admiralty Channel to pick up an audio guide in Russian or English and discover the island's history and present life in detail. There you will also find lovely souvenirs with New Holland emblem – the gull – that are also really useful! Some of them are made of recycled materials, for instance, now, they are selling amazing shopper bags and purses made of mesh banner used during the reconstruction.
The emblem of the island is very memorable! It is local sea gull species that lives near New Holland. You will see its image everywhere – from manhole cover to balcony fence, weather vane and informational materials. You can also buy hoodies and other cute little things with the emblem of the island!
Shopping
As I told you before, the Bottle House offers a variety of shops of local brands and with new buildings of New Holland opening after the reconstruction I am sure that the number of shops and galleries will be growing.
Jazz Concerts and Cinema Screening
From May to October there are many special events organized on the island – jazz concerts in the yard of the Bottle House and on the main stage near the lawn, various live music events with local and international musicians, and film festivals! Most of these events are free of charge, especially the cinema screenings. The choice of films is always great, these are not mainstream films and you will not see them in ordinary cinemas across the city, and what a pleasure watching them outdoors! Even if you did not register in advance for such events, you can come and queue before the event starts and with high probability you will be able to enter!
As I told you before, the Bottle House offers a variety of shops of local brands and with new buildings of New Holland opening after the reconstruction I am sure that the number of shops and galleries will be growing.
Jazz Concerts and Cinema Screening
From May to October there are many special events organized on the island – jazz concerts in the yard of the Bottle House and on the main stage near the lawn, various live music events with local and international musicians, and film festivals! Most of these events are free of charge, especially the cinema screenings. The choice of films is always great, these are not mainstream films and you will not see them in ordinary cinemas across the city, and what a pleasure watching them outdoors! Even if you did not register in advance for such events, you can come and queue before the event starts and with high probability you will be able to enter!
Picnics, Sunbathing or Working Outdoors
New Holland boasts extensive lush green lawns all around the island and the 18th century pool with the wooden decking where you can make yourself comfortable in numerous iron chairs, sunbeds, benches or stretching right on the grass and enjoying your time there! Many people come to New Holland to make picnics with their friends and family, it is very convenient, as you can buy most of the food and drinks for takeaway in the street stalls or inside the Bottle House. You can also take fruits and snacks with you, but keep in mind that bringing glassware and alcohol with you is not permitted.
With free Wi-Fi many people come here to work when the weather is good – they can sit down comfortably with their laptops at marble tables in the yard of the Bottle House or occupy one of the chairs or restaurant's terraces outdoors.
New Holland boasts extensive lush green lawns all around the island and the 18th century pool with the wooden decking where you can make yourself comfortable in numerous iron chairs, sunbeds, benches or stretching right on the grass and enjoying your time there! Many people come to New Holland to make picnics with their friends and family, it is very convenient, as you can buy most of the food and drinks for takeaway in the street stalls or inside the Bottle House. You can also take fruits and snacks with you, but keep in mind that bringing glassware and alcohol with you is not permitted.
With free Wi-Fi many people come here to work when the weather is good – they can sit down comfortably with their laptops at marble tables in the yard of the Bottle House or occupy one of the chairs or restaurant's terraces outdoors.
Fairs, Markets and Festivals
New Holland holds wonderful Christmas Markets on its territory. As the main winter holiday in Russia is the New Year and our Christmas is celebrated on January, 7, they are working for a very long period of time - normally from mid-December until January, 14. You can combine visit of a Christmas Fair with ice skating on the most beautiful ice skating rink of the city!
There may be fairs to celebrate some other local holidays. For instance, for the culmination of the Butter Week or Maslenitsa Celebrations in 2019 they burnt down impressive Lady Maslenitsa in the yard of the Bottle House!
Read about Maslenitsa and Russian pancakes in our post!
New Holland holds wonderful Christmas Markets on its territory. As the main winter holiday in Russia is the New Year and our Christmas is celebrated on January, 7, they are working for a very long period of time - normally from mid-December until January, 14. You can combine visit of a Christmas Fair with ice skating on the most beautiful ice skating rink of the city!
There may be fairs to celebrate some other local holidays. For instance, for the culmination of the Butter Week or Maslenitsa Celebrations in 2019 they burnt down impressive Lady Maslenitsa in the yard of the Bottle House!
Read about Maslenitsa and Russian pancakes in our post!
New Holland is also the venue for various charity events. It housed Anton Is Here charity festival to support people with autism and their families. Many actors and musicians participate in the festival for free and it is the only time when the entrance to entire island is ticketed. For a symbolic fee the visitors could enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the festival and support this wonderful initiative.
Outdoor and Indoor Sports
As I have already mentioned above, in summer time on New Holland there are yoga lessons for a donation that everyone can join, there may also be Pilates or stretching lessons for a donation. You can find up-to-date information on New Holland website.
You can also practice petanque, ping pong and various ball games in New Holland for free! You will need to come to the Information Point at the entrance and book your slot. The island has amazing facilities for practicing these games at your disposal!
In winter time, they open beautiful ice skating rink where you can rent skates and whirl with your friends to a nice music.
Outdoor and Indoor Sports
As I have already mentioned above, in summer time on New Holland there are yoga lessons for a donation that everyone can join, there may also be Pilates or stretching lessons for a donation. You can find up-to-date information on New Holland website.
You can also practice petanque, ping pong and various ball games in New Holland for free! You will need to come to the Information Point at the entrance and book your slot. The island has amazing facilities for practicing these games at your disposal!
In winter time, they open beautiful ice skating rink where you can rent skates and whirl with your friends to a nice music.
New Holland for Children
Apart from the huge wooden model of a ship that was built on an island as an original form of the playground for children, there are other games in which they can participate with their parents – from various ball games and table tennis to petanque.
Inside the Bottle House there is a nice shop with Russian toys for children of all ages and just wandering along the tiny paths of the Herbal Garden with parents and seeing beautiful plants that are assembled in a way that they can always be decorative (until the winter time) could be so much fun!
Apart from the huge wooden model of a ship that was built on an island as an original form of the playground for children, there are other games in which they can participate with their parents – from various ball games and table tennis to petanque.
Inside the Bottle House there is a nice shop with Russian toys for children of all ages and just wandering along the tiny paths of the Herbal Garden with parents and seeing beautiful plants that are assembled in a way that they can always be decorative (until the winter time) could be so much fun!
Restaurants
Currently there are two separate restaurants on an island, Cococo Bistro from the award-winning Cococo Team in the recently restored Warehouse building (advance booking is required) and Kuznya in the Foundry Building. Kuznya is the Russian word for Foundry and this building was opened first after the reconstruction. Both restaurants have spacious terraces.
On the ground floor of the Bottle House, as I have already mentioned, you will find a great number of less pricey cafes with all types of cuisines. The most popular are Bekizer (Israeli cuisine), and Dzamiko (Georgian), there are also cafes with Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, Russian and Mexican cuisine, burgers, coffee houses and ryumochnayas (traditional places where you can drink vodka and try Russian food with snacks).
The list of cafes and restaurants on the island is constantly growing!
Currently there are two separate restaurants on an island, Cococo Bistro from the award-winning Cococo Team in the recently restored Warehouse building (advance booking is required) and Kuznya in the Foundry Building. Kuznya is the Russian word for Foundry and this building was opened first after the reconstruction. Both restaurants have spacious terraces.
On the ground floor of the Bottle House, as I have already mentioned, you will find a great number of less pricey cafes with all types of cuisines. The most popular are Bekizer (Israeli cuisine), and Dzamiko (Georgian), there are also cafes with Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, Russian and Mexican cuisine, burgers, coffee houses and ryumochnayas (traditional places where you can drink vodka and try Russian food with snacks).
The list of cafes and restaurants on the island is constantly growing!
Ryumochnaya comes from ryumka – a small glass for vodka in Russian. Since the times of Peter the Great it has been a place where you can drink vodka with traditional Russian snacks, such as piroghki (small pies). In the 1990-s and 2000-s ryumochnayas were associated mostly with low-quality cheap food and alcohol.
Now everything has changed, as several stylish ryumochnayas with author's northern cuisine and a variety of alcohol and non-alcohol drinks of high quality were opened in our city. The prices in ryumochnayas are traditionally lower than in restaurants and we really recommend you to visit some of them (check the reviews before you go).
Now everything has changed, as several stylish ryumochnayas with author's northern cuisine and a variety of alcohol and non-alcohol drinks of high quality were opened in our city. The prices in ryumochnayas are traditionally lower than in restaurants and we really recommend you to visit some of them (check the reviews before you go).
Eco-friendly Island
New Holland is innovative when it comes to eco-friendly initiatives too. They were the first to launch separate waste collection – unfortunately St. Petersburg is very outdated in that sense, but thanks to places like New Holland the attitude of locals and the government towards the waste separation is changing for the better.
On New Holland, you will find lovely pontoons for ducks and other waterfowl that allow them to enter the water of the canals with their offspring without trouble. You will see the signs in Russian and English on the pontoons indicating politely that they are actually not meant for us, but for our smaller brothers.
Among the recent brilliant eco-friendly initiatives are stylish and original bags, created out of mash banner that used to cover the warehouses during the restoration works. You can still see some of these banners on an island. Actually, they are very interesting - with various images on them - and New Holland changes them regularly. As each bag is made of separate parts of banners, it means that none of them is similar!
New Holland is innovative when it comes to eco-friendly initiatives too. They were the first to launch separate waste collection – unfortunately St. Petersburg is very outdated in that sense, but thanks to places like New Holland the attitude of locals and the government towards the waste separation is changing for the better.
On New Holland, you will find lovely pontoons for ducks and other waterfowl that allow them to enter the water of the canals with their offspring without trouble. You will see the signs in Russian and English on the pontoons indicating politely that they are actually not meant for us, but for our smaller brothers.
Among the recent brilliant eco-friendly initiatives are stylish and original bags, created out of mash banner that used to cover the warehouses during the restoration works. You can still see some of these banners on an island. Actually, they are very interesting - with various images on them - and New Holland changes them regularly. As each bag is made of separate parts of banners, it means that none of them is similar!
Kolomna District
The picturesque neighbourhood where New Holland is situated deserved a separate long read post, but let me just give you a few hints on what you can find there.
First of all, it has similar name with the beautiful town near Moscow, the place where Russian natural sweets, pastila, are cooked, for the reasons that now are unknown. But if you are going to travel around Russia, it is important not to mix up this town with the St. Petersburg's district.
It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of the city and it has always been somehow at the outskirts. The Gulf of Finland is very close to Kolomna, and although now it is hidden from you by the rows of Admiralty Shipyards and other port structures, you can probably feel its maritime atmosphere. Initially it was the area where the ships were built and this is how the island of New Holland was created. Many sailors and dockworkers settled in the area, some of them were Dutch, but mostly they came from the Baltic countries.
Therefore, there are two Estonian churches in the area, one, Yani Kirik, is Lutheran and it is now functioning as a wonderful chamber-like concert venue next to Mariinsky Theatre Concert Hall, and the second is Orthodox, of St. Isidore. The oldest market in the area and the prison that was destroyed during the 1917 Revolution were called Lithuanian. Now you will see a small part of the front façade of the market mounted in the building of the New Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre.
The picturesque neighbourhood where New Holland is situated deserved a separate long read post, but let me just give you a few hints on what you can find there.
First of all, it has similar name with the beautiful town near Moscow, the place where Russian natural sweets, pastila, are cooked, for the reasons that now are unknown. But if you are going to travel around Russia, it is important not to mix up this town with the St. Petersburg's district.
It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of the city and it has always been somehow at the outskirts. The Gulf of Finland is very close to Kolomna, and although now it is hidden from you by the rows of Admiralty Shipyards and other port structures, you can probably feel its maritime atmosphere. Initially it was the area where the ships were built and this is how the island of New Holland was created. Many sailors and dockworkers settled in the area, some of them were Dutch, but mostly they came from the Baltic countries.
Therefore, there are two Estonian churches in the area, one, Yani Kirik, is Lutheran and it is now functioning as a wonderful chamber-like concert venue next to Mariinsky Theatre Concert Hall, and the second is Orthodox, of St. Isidore. The oldest market in the area and the prison that was destroyed during the 1917 Revolution were called Lithuanian. Now you will see a small part of the front façade of the market mounted in the building of the New Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre.
The most important sight that reminds us of the naval history of the district is the baroque St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral – one of the oldest and most beautiful in the city. It was built to the design of Savva Chevakinsky, who also worked on the creation of New Holland warehouses.
St. Nicholas Cathedral of astonishing sky blue colour was the main naval cathedral of the city, until the Cathedral in Kronstadt was built. it is located in the park at the intersection of the Kryukov Canal and the Griboyedov Canal. Like some other cathedrals of the 18th century, it has two churches - on the first and second floors. I urge you at least to see it from the outside, if you don't want to get inside! It is free to visit, but they may ask for donation from tourist groups.
St. Nicholas Cathedral of astonishing sky blue colour was the main naval cathedral of the city, until the Cathedral in Kronstadt was built. it is located in the park at the intersection of the Kryukov Canal and the Griboyedov Canal. Like some other cathedrals of the 18th century, it has two churches - on the first and second floors. I urge you at least to see it from the outside, if you don't want to get inside! It is free to visit, but they may ask for donation from tourist groups.
In the 19th century Kolomna became one of the most popular districts for the Jewish families. There, finally, in the 1860-s the impressive choral synagogue was built. You will see it just behind the New Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, on Lermontovsky Avenue. It is free to visit for everyone.
If you are interested in the Jewish history of the city, take a look at our Jewish Heritage Tour.
Behind the synagogue there is the modest classicist building of the Polish Catholic Church of St. Stanislav, the centre of life of the Polish community of the city before the revolution, which is still working today.
It is probably the district where you can still feel how multi-cultural our city used to be - the fusion of different ethnicities and religions.
If you are interested in the Jewish history of the city, take a look at our Jewish Heritage Tour.
Behind the synagogue there is the modest classicist building of the Polish Catholic Church of St. Stanislav, the centre of life of the Polish community of the city before the revolution, which is still working today.
It is probably the district where you can still feel how multi-cultural our city used to be - the fusion of different ethnicities and religions.
Kolomna is also the most important place for opera, ballet and classical music lovers, for there all the stages and the concert hall of the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg Conservatory and Music School are situated. Many famous composers, musicians and artists used to study, perform and live there, and they still do!
If you are attentive enough, you will notice that the Concert Hall of Mariinsky Theatre from Pisareva Street includes the old wall of the former workshops of the Imperial Theatres, that survived after the fire of 2003, when they burnt down almost completely.
Kolomna near the Moika River embankment is the collection of great palaces of the nobility –from the Yusupov Palace and the beautiful palace of the Great Duke Alexey Aleksandrovich that is now known as the House of Music, to no less impressive mansions on Angliisky Prospect (English Avenue).
I hope that with this post I will inspire you for a walk around Kolomna and New Holland and, perhaps, you will even decide to choose accommodation in that area! Luckily, there are quite a few hotels there that will suit any budget.
Take a look at our Kolomna and New Holland Tour and if you have any questions or suggestions, drop me a line!
Text by Alexandra Carusel Tours
If you are attentive enough, you will notice that the Concert Hall of Mariinsky Theatre from Pisareva Street includes the old wall of the former workshops of the Imperial Theatres, that survived after the fire of 2003, when they burnt down almost completely.
Kolomna near the Moika River embankment is the collection of great palaces of the nobility –from the Yusupov Palace and the beautiful palace of the Great Duke Alexey Aleksandrovich that is now known as the House of Music, to no less impressive mansions on Angliisky Prospect (English Avenue).
I hope that with this post I will inspire you for a walk around Kolomna and New Holland and, perhaps, you will even decide to choose accommodation in that area! Luckily, there are quite a few hotels there that will suit any budget.
Take a look at our Kolomna and New Holland Tour and if you have any questions or suggestions, drop me a line!
Text by Alexandra Carusel Tours