Kolomna’s borders are defined by rivers and canals, which, as you know, are abundant in St. Petersburg. Residing in the heart of the city, this district is located to the west of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Admiralty. Its history goes back to the first decades after the city was founded – back then, Kolomna was home to many workers, which can still be traced in the names of the streets, such as Lotsmanskaya (lotsman means naval pilot) or Masterskaya (master means craftsman).
Initially, it was known as a poor and unappealing place, but after a city reform and the construction of the Mariinsky Theatre, among other things, the district started to attract creative minds of all sorts: painters, composers, writers, and dancers. For instance, Fyodor Dostoevsky spent a considerable part of his life here, and even the characters of his famous novel, Crime and Punishment, inhabited these streets. It is in this spirit, perhaps, that Kolomna is now sometimes referred to as the Soho of St. Petersburg, a place of culture and entertainment. For sure, many a line – both in words and musical notation – was written here or about this place.
Even though this last comparison might sound grand, Kolomna is best described as a quaint, quiet district, crisscrossed by canals and housing several hidden gems that will open to the patient eye. Come here to step back in time, walk over each of its countless bridges, and slowly sip your cup of coffee as you dreamily stare out of the window.
Make your wish at Semimostye
The Pikalov Bridge over Kryukov Kanal is a magnet for everyone looking for everyday magic and luck. Legend has it that if you stand at the bridge and spot the other seven bridges of Kolomna (hence the name Semimostye – the place of seven bridges), your wish will come true. However, as the embodiment of St. Pete’s nickname, the Northern Venice, this incredible view on the bridges deserves a visit even if you aren’t the superstitious kind.
Find something for your spirit
St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral. Credit: Ted.ns - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kolomna houses places of worship for several religions. Right at Semimostye, you will find the St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, a major Baroque building in sky blue. If you cross the Kryukov Kanal and walk towards Dekabristov St., you will find the St. Petersburg Grand Choral Synagogue. One of the largest in Europe, it boasts incredible acoustics apart from impressive sights inside and out. A little further down Dekabristov St. you will find St. John's Church or Peterburi Jaani Kirik, a modest-looking redbrick building. This church is considered a symbol of Estonian independence, as it was closed in the Soviet times and then restored and reopened in the early 2000s. It now also functions as a concert hall.
Discover the many faces of the Mariinsky
Mariinsky Theatre (old and new stages). Credit: Ninaras - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Without stepping away from Dekabristov St., you will easily find all three buildings of the Mariinsky Theatre: the old music box-like one, the shiny new glass-walled one, and then the concert hall. Chances are, you have already heard of this world-famous place, and we are not here to dispel its fame. However, a little insider’s recommendation: it sometimes feels like the concert hall is outshone by the glory of the two bigger stages, so do consider checking out this cozier location for some nevertheless stunning performances.
Make it hip – we are in Soho, after all
New Holland Island. Credit: Nick Night on Unsplash
If you are planning your weekends with our regular guides, by now you would probably know New Holland Island and Nikolskye Ryady, two of the city’s most popular public entertainment locations housing an abundance of cafes and local businesses, as well as frequently hosting various talks, exhibitions, and more. Incredibly, both of them are located in Kolomna! And that is not all the district has in store. For instance, one of its courtyards houses Berthold Center, a haven for foodies and fashionistas alike.
Experience modern art and cinema
Griboyedov Canal. Credit: Lite - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Craving even more cultural experiences? Consider visiting the Lendoc open film studio that, apart from annually running an international film festival, also hosts a variety of screenings and concerts. You can also stroll down Griboyedov Canal to find the Museum of St. Petersburg Art of the 20th–21st centuries and discover its extensive collection of artwork created by local masters through the years.
We hope you enjoy walking down the cozy streets of Kolomna. If you are looking for more local gems to visit in the city, check out our tag Unexplored St. Petersburg for more insights.
