Feb 2, 2025

The Yard of Spirits Saint Petersburg

Smallest well-yard

""The Yard of Spirits" is the smallest well-yard in Saint Petersburg. It's 1.50mx2m and even many locals don't know about it. When you find it, make a wish!"

Have you ever seen the smallest yard in St. Petersburg? It’s such a hidden and secret spot that even not so many locals know about it. The Yard of Spirits is another secret place in the city which is full of legends and myths.

Peter the First, who founded St. Petersburg, understood that there was not so much space in the location that he had chosen to build the city. Therefore, he decided that the architecture should be characterized by solid facades with indoor spaces opening out to courtyards. Due to this “strategic thinking”, St. Petersburg is famous for its numerous well-yards. Some of them look pretty creepy and fearsome.

The Yard of Spirits is only 1.50mx2m. One of the legends says that anyone who comes into the yard can make absolutely any wish. He or she should look above at the sky and the wish will certainly come true.

It is a challenge to find The Yard of Spirits and get in, but you can try. You can get there from the 4th line of Vasilievsky Island – building 5. Turn under the first arch from Bolshoi prospect. Come to the leftmost entrance in the basement. If you are lucky enough, you should be able to open the door. If not, you can wait for someone to open it for you. As soon as you are in, pass through the corridor and finally you will find the Yard of Spirits.

Hopefully you manage!

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Art & culture

About this spot

4-Ya Liniya V.o. 5

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