To enjoy a true landscape park, you don’t have to go far from the city. One such park is located in the Admiralty district in the southwest of St. Petersburg. Founded during the reign of Peter I, "Ekaterinhof" is one of the oldest gardens in the city. Today, the park has become a cozy place for family recreation and romantic walks in the heart of the bustling Northern capital.

Landscape parks have one distinctive feature: their creation takes into account the natural landscape. Vegetation is preserved where possible, and architectural elements harmoniously fit into the natural surroundings. Such parks create the impression of a miraculously preserved corner of nature, especially if they are located in large cities.

"Ekaterinhof" appeared here not by chance. During the Northern War, an important battle took place at the mouth of the Neva, changing the fate of the country. Russian troops captured the fortress of Nien Shants and took two Swedish ships as prisoners. In 1711, the construction of the Ekaterinhof Palace began here, a gift to Catherine Alexeyevna. The location for the palace was chosen deliberately: nearby was Peter I's Podzorny Palace, from where he observed the ships. There were two gardens nearby in honor of his daughters, Anna and Elizabeth, which are now lost. The site of "Anniengof" is now occupied by ZAO "Baltetek", while the former estate of "Elizavetgof" is part of the Kirov plant.

Later, a park in the "Dutch style" spread around the palace along the banks of the Black River, Tarakanovka, and the Paper Canal. Here, May holidays were celebrated annually in honor of the Russian fleet's victory over the Swedes.

In the early 19th century, "Ekaterinhof" became a place for public festivities. Major holidays, including May celebrations, were held here. According to architect Montferrand's design, a complex of pavilions for recreation was built in the park. Among them was a large Gothic pavilion for summer balls and a Farm with a tower, as well as a Moorish pavilion in Eastern style. The park had a tavern in the house "Russian Izba," made in an ethnic style.

The Black River became a decoration of the park, with the first chain bridge built according to engineer Bozen's design. The palace, outbuildings, ponds, canals, and riverbed underwent reconstruction. The water bodies were cleaned and expanded, reducing the risk of flooding. In 1825, a museum dedicated to Peter I's reign opened in the palace. The Molvinskaya Column, a copy of the Alexander Column, was installed in the park.

"Ekaterinhof" is mentioned in classical literature. Oblomov from Goncharov's work was invited here for May festivities, and Nastasya Filippovna from Dostoevsky's novel "The Idiot" came here with Rogozhin.

By the end of the 19th century, the park began to decline: private houses and dachas appeared, alleys turned into streets, and canals and ponds overgrew. The Putilov plant finally made the garden a working-class outskirts. Noble individuals stopped visiting the park, and museum exhibits began to be transferred to other collections.

After the revolution, the palace was handed over to youth organizations, but in 1926 it was dismantled due to fires. The river was renamed Ekaterinhofka, and the park was named after the 30th anniversary of the Komsomol. A summer stage, carousels, sports grounds, and a cinema appeared here.

During the blockade, the park suffered from bombings, fire positions were set up here, and part of the territory was used for vegetable gardens. Restoration began in 1944. In the second half of the 20th century, a copy of the "Oath" monument was installed in the park, and a stadium and equestrian school were built, which still operate today. A boat station appeared on the lake.

Over time, the park fell into disrepair. After the dismantling of attractions in 2015, only local residents walked here. Trees grew wild, lawns became overgrown, the gazebo fell into ruin, and the stadium and concert venue deteriorated.

Despite proposed reconstruction projects, most of them were not realized. However, the park continues to live on, gradually being tidied up. A boat station and tennis courts are operational, and Lifland Street has been repaired. A commemorative plaque was installed in honor of Peter I's victory over the Swedes.

Athletic relays, festivals, and concerts are held in the park. Crocuses, bluebells, and primroses are planted in the flowerbeds. Nearby are the monument to Leonid Govorov and the structures of the Admiralty shipyards. Guided tours can be arranged to explore the garden.