Field of Mars is a vast stretch of land in St. Petersburg that has a long history since the early 18th century. This land, named after a Roman War God, is located close to the St .Michael Palace and Summer Gardens near Nevsky Prospect.
Earlier it was just a wet ground with decomposed vegetations. With time, it was converted into a ground for military parade and renamed as Grand Meadow. After a palace of Catherine the great was built on one side, it acquired the name Tsarina's Meadow. It got its present name in the year 1805.
Reaching Field of Mars
Field of Mars is situated close to Nevsky Prospect. The nearest metro station is Gostiny Dvor. The tourists must walk towards the Church on the Spilled Blood moving along the Griboedov Canal. After crossing
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Moika, one may locate the Field of Mars right in front.
History of Field of Mars
Initially the ground was used for parade and training regiments. However, soon Emperor Paul built the Mikhailovsky Castle, his official residence on one side. Catherine's Palace, built earlier was on the other side. It soon became a public place for people to stroll and pass their leisure time. After the February Revolution, the field soon turned to be the burial ground with the dead being buried in 1917.
To honor the fighters of the revolution, a monument was built during the year 1917-1919. The field was converted into a vegetable garden during the Siege of Leningrad. To commemorate and honor the victims of siege and wars in St. Petersburg, an Eternal Flame was illumed in the year 1957.
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