Yelagin Island

Today I want to  tell you about my favorite park on Yelagin island. It's an island at the mouth of the Neva River, St. Petersburg. It's shooting out with the narrow cape into the Gulf of Finland, Baltic sea. It was a nice day when I crossed the bridge to the park on the island to stroll there.

There are several ponds within the island, big and small. Now in early autumn I enjoy nature, bright sparks on the water surface, old trees hanging above the water surface. I like to photograph weeping willows and water.

I met some animals, the squirrel was eating his breakfast a little pony named Sydney waited for kids want to ride.

Then I went to the other side of the Yelagin island. I have come to the 'swan lake' there 4 swans live but they didn't want to pose :-) Strolling along the pond I was wanting to see the perspective of the Gulf of Finland. Or better say the ex-perspective because it was closed by the new built highway.

Back to the park going to the Yelagin Palace I liked quietness, silence, shine water, large green lawns and high grasses, old trees lit by sun rays, I saw people on the green grass.

It was time to have lunch. I've sat at the table having crumpets and cold tea and looking at the Yelagin palace in a distance. 
Must to say I remember this palace many years. The palace and island takes its present name from the former owner Ivan Yelagin. In 19th century the island was bought on behalf of the Russian Monarchy. The Palace was constructed by Italian arquitect Carlo Rossi, English landscape park was created with the system of canals, bridges and ponds on the palace grounds.

Nowadays the Yelagin palace is the museum of Russian arts, crafts and interior, with a permanent exhibition on the ground and first floors.

I walked around the Palace, as I remembered a large rose garden in front of it. But alas, instead of roses I saw a green lawn. As I was explained the classical music concerts are held on the lawn every Wednesday.

Coming closer to the beautiful marble staircase, I happily noted that the old vases with sculptures looked pretty nice after the last renovation.

I spent some time just sitting on the grass, feeding ducks looking at the reflection of the willows. It was time to go home. 
I hope you liked this park on Yelagin island. If you're interested in here is a map of the island:

(click to enlarge)