Nevsky Prospect, connecting Palace Square and Alexander Nevsky Square, is the central artery of St. Petersburg, known worldwide. Its length is 4.5 km.

The avenue was laid out by Peter the Great in 1710, just seven years after the city was founded on the Neva. In 1712, two years after the creation of Nevsky, the capital of Russia was moved from Moscow to St. Petersburg, and Nevsky Prospect became the main artery of the capital of the Russian Empire.

The need for the avenue arose soon after the city was founded, as it could be approached from the south via the Novgorod road. Nevsky Prospect was envisioned as the main entrance to Petersburg from the south.

The road in the area of Kirchnaya Street branched off, one branch ran along the Neva and led to the Fontanka, as well as to the Admiralty meadow. This road was used for delivering food to the Admiralty but was often washed out and unreliable. Nevertheless, it connected the Admiralty with central Russia.

At the beginning of what would become Nevsky Prospect was the Marine Sloboda, where shipyard workers lived. In 1705, the Marine Market was built here. Next to the market was the house of Admiral Cornelius Cruys, who oversaw the construction of the Admiralty. This house became one of the first known buildings on Nevsky Prospect.

The victories of the Russian army in the Northern War prompted Peter I to consider moving the capital to St. Petersburg. The city began preparing to receive the royal court. In 1710, the Alexander Nevsky Monastery was founded, and the need arose to create a convenient entrance to the city from the south.

A road was begun from the Admiralty to the Novgorod tract. On the map of Petersburg, a right angle can be seen between Nevsky and Ligovsky Prospects. According to local historian Peter Stolpyansky, it was here that the Fontanka River was the narrowest and most convenient for crossing. Thus, the direction of Nevsky Prospect was determined, which was called the Great Perspective Road.

In 1712, during the construction of the monastery, the road was also being laid. When the construction of the road was completed in 1718, it began to be called the "Nevsky Perspective Road." The first mention of this road can be found in historical chronicles.

During the road construction, difficulties arose with the marshy ground. Builders drove in piles and laid logs to strengthen the road. Initially, construction progressed slowly, as the city center was planned for Vasilievsky Island. However, the Nevsky Perspective developed faster, and lands around it were allocated for monastic and working needs.

There is a myth that Nevsky Prospect was planned as a straight line, but builders supposedly made a mistake, leading to a bend. However, this is not true: two segments of the future avenue were built at different times and were called differently.

The construction of the road allowed the city to expand beyond the Moyka, and the new boundary became the Fontanka. In 1712, a wooden church of the Nativity of the Virgin was built at the corner of the road, the first temple on Nevsky Prospect.

The Great Perspective Road connected with other areas of Petersburg. Over time, it was adjusted to lead to the center of the Admiralty. Captured Swedes turned it into a convenient highway, planting rows of birches along the road.

Bridges began to be built on the Great Perspective. In 1715, the first bridge over the Fontanka was erected, followed by bridges over the Moyka and Krivusha. Passage on the road was toll-based to cover maintenance costs.

In 1724, for the transfer of the relics of Alexander Nevsky, General Police Chief Anton Devier gifted the road its first lanterns. They were fueled with hemp oil and installed every 106 meters.

In the 1730s, new buildings appeared on the perspective, including the German Church of St. Peter. Empress Anna Ioannovna promoted the development of the road, and in 1731, triumphal gates were built on the Moyka.

From 1733 to 1737, a stone church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin was erected. The Marine Market was relocated due to fire hazards. In 1738, the Great Perspective began to be called Nevsky Prospect.

Nevsky Prospect became part of the "Admiralty Trident." In the 1740s, the area of the avenue was developed with residential buildings and commercial establishments. Architect Mikhail Zemtsov played a key role in its design.

In the 1760s, a narrow section appeared on Nevsky, connecting two roads. Catherine II introduced classicism into the architecture of the avenue. Buildings of the Free Economic Society and the Large Gostiny Dvor were constructed.

By the end of the 18th century, stone bridges and granite sidewalks appeared on Nevsky. Paul I attempted to arrange a boulevard, but the project was not completed. In the early 19th century, the avenue became a center for scientific and educational activities.

Kazansky Cathedral became the pride of Nevsky Prospect. In 1825, "wheelways" appeared on the avenue, and later a cobbled end. In the 1830s, Nevsky became the main thoroughfare of the capital, and the first gas lanterns were installed on it.

With the advent of Soviet power, the avenue changed. In 1918, it was renamed October 25 Prospect. In the 1930s, new buildings and infrastructure appeared on Nevsky. During the war, the avenue suffered greatly but was restored.

After the war, Nevsky Prospect continued to develop. In the 1960s, building facades were restored, and in the 1970s, reconstruction was carried out. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the avenue became a pedestrian zone for mass events.

Nevsky Prospect is closely linked to the culture of Russia. Many famous people lived and worked here, leaving their mark in history and literature.