Ostrovsky Square in St. Petersburg, surrounded by the Alexandrinsky Theatre and adjacent to Nevsky Prospekt, is the center of a magnificent architectural ensemble. At its heart are two masterpieces: the theatre itself and the monument to Catherine II. All the surrounding buildings, including the Russian National Library and administrative structures, as well as Architect Rossi Street, Krylov Lane, and Malaya Sadovaya, create a harmonious and cohesive space. This was made possible by Karl Rossi, a Russian architect of Italian descent, who in the early 19th century transformed the chaotic development of the northern capital into an open-air museum.

The square has changed its name several times: Anichkov, Alexandrinskaya, Alexandrinsky Theatre, and since 1923, Writer Ostrovsky, later simply Ostrovsky. Although the playwright has no direct connection to it, his plays were often staged at the Alexandrinsky Theatre.

Almost all the buildings in the square have popular names: "Public Library," "Alexandrinka," "Katya," and "Katya's Little Garden."

In the 18th century, this place was part of the garden of the Anichkov Palace, which passed from one favorite to another. Built by Rastrelli for Count Razumovsky, it was gifted by Catherine II to Potemkin. By the end of the 18th century, the palace fell into disrepair, and the Public Library and the Small Theatre were built in its place. In the 1810s, the theatre building became cramped and outdated, and its reconstruction was entrusted to Karl Rossi. He transformed the area from the Fontanka River to Nevsky Prospekt into a unified artistic space.

Carlo Rossi, born in Venice, moved to Russia at a young age and studied under Vincenzo Brenna. He built extensively in Moscow and turned Tver into a model European city. Upon returning to the capital, he became the architect of the royal family and constructed many significant buildings, including Yelagin Palace and Senate Square. Rossi followed the Empire style that originated in France and created entire architectural spaces united by a single idea.

In 1832, Rossi retired, having failed to find common ground with Nicholas I. In retirement, he needed money and even wrote to the authorities for help. He died in poverty, leaving behind six children and four adopted ones.

Rossi built Alexandrinsky Square from 1827 to 1834. He created the facade of the Imperial Public Library and the pavilions of Anichkov Palace, as well as Rossi Street with a unified facade. The jewel of the project was the new theatre building, constructed using advanced metal structures. The theatre was named Alexandrinsky in honor of Nicholas I's wife.

A garden and a monument to Catherine II, created by Mikhail Mikeshin, appeared near the theatre. The monument is surrounded by figures of nine of Catherine's associates, and the granite for the pedestal was delivered from the Karelian Isthmus. The construction lasted over 10 years and required significant funds.

After the revolution, the square lost its imperial symbolism and was renamed. The Alexandrinsky Theatre became the Pushkin Theatre, and the monument to Catherine miraculously survived. In the post-war years, the garden was restored, and in the 1990s, the theatre regained its historical name.

Today, Catherine's Garden is lively and full of colorful personalities. Street artist exhibitions, folk performances, and charity events take place here. Ostrovsky Square remains one of the favorite walking spots for Petersburgers and city guests, combining grandeur and coziness.