The Neva River divides into two branches near the Winter Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress. The Bolshaya Neva flows south of Vasilievsky Island, while the Malaya Neva curves around the island from the north. This area, the eastern part of Vasilievsky Island, has its own name, the “Spit of Vasilievsky Island.” (This is a rough translation of the name from Russian to English.) Many consider it the most beautiful spot in St. Petersburg.
The Old Stock Exchange building is the most prominent landmark on the eastern end of Vasilievsky Island. In front of it stand two Rostral Columns. On major holidays, gas torches are lit at the tops of the columns. The embankment offers a beautiful view of the Neva, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Winter Palace. And this place itself looks beautiful from the embankments of the Neva.
Attention!!! The Palace Bridge (usually) opens at night in the summer. (This is done to allow ships to navigate the Neva.)
You may find yourself “trapped” on Vasilievsky Island and unable to access Nevsky Prospect at this time of night.
Pictured: view of the Neva and the Peter and Paul Fortress from the Spit of Vasilievsky Island in winter.
To reach this spot, cross the Neva on the Palace Bridge near the Winter Palace. The nearest metro station, Admiralteyskaya, is approximately 1 kilometer away.
The Spit of Vasilievsky Island is marked on the Map of St. Petersburg.
Also nearby are the Zoological Museum and the Kunstkamera. You can cross the Palace Bridge to Palace Square.