Kolomna, Saint Petersburg, is the quarter of canals and low houses that lies south-west of the Admiralty, between the Moika, the Kryukov Canal and the Griboyedov Canal. It is where the Mariinsky Theatre stands, and where the Naval Cathedral rises with its tall bell tower over the water.
The quarter is small, quiet and easy to cover on foot. It belongs to the Admiralteysky District, so it is close to Saint Isaac’s and the Hermitage but feels like a different city. This page explains how Kolomna is laid out, what to see and how to reach it from the nearest metro stops.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Коломна |
|---|---|
| Address | Kolomna, Saint Petersburg (Коломна, Санкт-Петербург) |
| District | Admiralteysky |
| Metro | Sadovaya (Line 5 (Purple), Linked to Sennaya Ploshchad and Spasskaya; about 15 minutes on foot to the Mariinsky) Admiralteyskaya (Line 5 (Purple), From the north; walk south along the Moika toward the theatre) Sennaya Ploshchad (Line 2 (Blue), Linked to Sadovaya; walk west along the canals) |
| Opening hours | The streets and canal embankments are open all day. Churches, the theatre and museums keep their own hours and closing days, so check each one before you plan. (as of October 2026 – check the official sites) |
| Admission | Walking the quarter is free. The cathedral can generally be entered free, while theatre performances and museums such as the Yusupov Palace have their own tickets, mostly at ₽₽ and above. |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early autumn is best for the canals, and the evening is the best time for the theatre district. Mornings are quiet. In winter the days are short but the quarter is calm. |
| Recommended duration | Half a day, longer with a performance at the Mariinsky |
| Last updated | October 17, 2026 |
What Is (and Isn't) Part of a Visit to Kolomna, Saint Petersburg?
| Part | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canal embankments and the streets of the quarter | Included in the standard ticket | Open and free to walk. |
| Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas | Included in the standard ticket | A working church; entry is generally free. |
| Mariinsky Theatre | Separate ticket or institution | Performances need their own tickets. |
| Yusupov Palace | Separate ticket or institution | A separate museum with its own ticket. |
| New Holland Island | Separate ticket or institution | Open as a public space; some events and exhibitions are ticketed. |
| Saint Isaac's Cathedral | Outside / not part of it | North of Kolomna, in the same district but a separate sight. |
| Hermitage and Palace Square | Outside / not part of it | Further north, near the Admiralty. |
| Sennaya Square | Outside / not part of it | To the south-east; see the Sennaya Square Area page. |
Why Visit Kolomna, Saint Petersburg?
- The Mariinsky Theatre: one of the best-known opera and ballet houses in Russia stands on Theatre Square.
- A famous cathedral: the Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, painted blue and white, has a tall bell tower on the canal.
- Canals without crowds: the Kryukov and Griboyedov canals are quiet and good for walks.
- Literary streets: several writers lived and set their stories here.
- Close to the sights: the Hermitage and Saint Isaac’s are a short walk to the north.
How Kolomna, Saint Petersburg Is Laid Out
Think of Kolomna as a small triangle of streets between three waterways. The Moika forms its northern edge, the Kryukov Canal runs through its middle, and the Griboyedov Canal bounds it on the south-east. At its heart lies Theatre Square, with the Mariinsky Theatre on one side and the Saint Petersburg Conservatory opposite.
A short walk to the south-west brings you to the Naval Cathedral, whose bell tower stands directly over the Kryukov Canal. North of the square, the Moika embankment leads past the Yusupov Palace toward Saint Isaac’s. New Holland Island lies to the west, along the Admiralty Canal.
A sensible order is to start at Theatre Square, walk to the Naval Cathedral, follow the Kryukov Canal along its length, then return along the Moika to the Yusupov Palace.
Highlights of Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
Mariinsky Theatre
The Mariinsky Theatre was built in 1860 and is known for opera and ballet. The pale green building on Theatre Square has an auditorium in blue and gold with tiers of boxes. A newer building stands beside it, and many performances are given in either.
The theatre has its own ticket system, so see the dedicated ticket guide before you arrive.
Tip: Even without a ticket, stand on the square in the evening to see the audience arrive.
Saint Nicholas Naval Cathedral
The cathedral was built in the 1750s and early 1760s in the Baroque style, to a design by Savva Chevakinsky. It is painted blue and white and topped with gold domes, and a separate bell tower stands over the Kryukov Canal. It has two churches, a lower one and an upper one.
Entry is generally free, and it is a working church, so dress modestly.
Tip: Look at the bell tower from the Kryukov Canal bridge for the full reflection in the water.
Kryukov Canal
The Kryukov Canal runs through the middle of Kolomna and is lined with low houses, small bridges and trees. It is among the quietest of the city's canals, and its bridges give good views toward the cathedral and the theatre.
It is free and open at all times.
Tip: Walk the full length of the canal to see the quieter side of the quarter.
Yusupov Palace on the Moika
The palace on the Moika embankment was built for one of the richest families of the empire. It has a small private theatre and a set of richly decorated halls. It is also known as the place where Grigory Rasputin was killed in 1916.
The palace is a museum with its own ticket and weekly closing day.
Tip: Visit on a weekday, when the rooms are quieter.
New Holland Island
New Holland is an island built in the 18th century as a naval warehouse area and long closed to the public. It is now open as a space for walks, events and exhibitions, with a green park in the middle and brick buildings around it.
The island has its own events and hours, so check what is on.
Tip: Go on a dry afternoon, when the grass area in the middle is in use.
Dostoevsky and Blok streets
Several writers lived and set their works in Kolomna. The area around the Griboyedov Canal and the nearby lanes appears in novels of Dostoevsky and in poems of the early 20th century. The streets themselves are the main sight: low houses, courtyards and small bridges.
There is nothing to enter, and walking is free.
Tip: Use the walk to see small details, such as courtyard arches and old house numbers.
Atmosphere
Kolomna feels hushed. The streets are narrow, the houses are low, and the sound is mostly footsteps and water. Even on a busy day, the Kryukov Canal is calm, with a few walkers and the occasional cyclist.
Around the Mariinsky the mood changes in the evening, when the square fills with people dressed for the theatre. In the morning the area is nearly empty, with the bell tower reflected in the canal. In winter the water freezes at the edges, and the blue-and-white cathedral stands out against the snow.
History of Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
The name Kolomna is usually linked to settlers from the town of Kolomna near Moscow, who were brought to work in the new capital in the early 18th century. The area was then a district of craftsmen and sailors, near the shipyards of the Admiralty.
The Naval Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was built in the 1750s and 1760s as a church for sailors, to a design by Savva Chevakinsky. Its tall bell tower was added over the Kryukov Canal and became one of the best-known landmarks of the quarter.
In the 19th century Kolomna became a modest residential district of officials, artists and musicians. The Mariinsky Theatre opened in 1860 on Theatre Square, and the Conservatory followed in the same area.
Writers such as Pushkin, Gogol and Dostoevsky knew the district, and it appears in their work as a quiet, slightly poor corner of the capital. In the early 20th century, the poet Alexander Blok lived nearby.
During the Second World War the quarter was shelled during the siege of Leningrad, and some buildings were damaged. After the war they were repaired, and the theatre kept its place at the centre of city culture.
In the 21st century Kolomna became popular with visitors. New Holland Island was opened to the public, and a new building was added to the Mariinsky.
Legends and Myths about Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
Rasputin's death at the Yusupov Palace
Disputed by historians. The details of Rasputin's death in 1916 are famous: poison, shots, and a body thrown into the river. Accounts differ on what exactly happened, and historians question parts of the conspirators' own versions.
Tickets and Booking for Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
The quarter is free to walk, so there is no single ticket. The theatre and the palace sell their own tickets, and each has its own booking window and rules. Check the official site of each institution before you plan.
- Mariinsky Theatre: see the dedicated ticket guide.
- ID: carry your passport, as some sites ask for it.
- Payment: the sanctions rules of your own country may limit the use of some Russian payment services, so check this yourself.
Rates for Russian citizens and concessions differ from those for foreign visitors; the official site of each place lists all categories.
Plan and Book
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Suggested itineraries Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
2 hours
Start at Theatre Square, walk to the Naval Cathedral and its bell tower, then follow the Kryukov Canal for a few bridges before returning along the Moika.
Half day
Theatre Square, the Naval Cathedral, the Kryukov Canal and New Holland Island, then back along the Moika to the Yusupov Palace for an afternoon visit.
Full day
Morning in Kolomna, midday at New Holland, afternoon at Saint Isaac's or the Hermitage, and an evening performance at the Mariinsky.
How to Get to Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
Kolomna is a short walk from several metro stations.
- Sadovaya (Line 5): the closest linked stop; allow about fifteen minutes on foot to Theatre Square.
- Admiralteyskaya (Line 5): from the north, along the Moika.
- Sennaya Ploshchad (Line 2): linked to Sadovaya, from the east.
From Saint Isaac’s Cathedral it is a ten-minute walk south-west. See How to Use the Metro, Saint Petersburg.
Food Nearby
Cafes and restaurants cluster around Theatre Square and along the Moika and the Griboyedov Canal. For sit-down options see Best Restaurants, Saint Petersburg.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes and a rain layer. Dress smartly if you plan to attend a performance.
Best Views and Photo Spots of Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
Kryukov Canal bridge facing the bell tower
The blue-and-white bell tower reflected in the canal.
Best time: Morning
Theatre Square
The pale green Mariinsky facade with the audience arriving.
Best time: Evening
The Moika embankment
A line of old houses along the water.
Best time: Overcast day
New Holland Island arch
The brick arch over the water leading into the island.
Best time: Late afternoon
Photography Rules
Photography is free on the streets and embankments. Rules inside the theatre, the palace and the cathedral vary and flash is often banned. Drones are not allowed in the centre.
Family Suitability
Suitable for families: the quarter is small and flat, with canals and a park at New Holland. Children may enjoy the cathedral and the island. Strollers work on most streets, though some bridges have steps.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Kolomna is small; plan it as a half-day walk and combine it with Saint Isaac's or the Hermitage.
- Look for the bell tower from the canal rather than the street, for the best view.
- Keep one evening free for the Mariinsky; the square is at its best before a performance.
- Use the Moika embankment as a calm route between Saint Isaac's and the theatre.
- Check what is on at New Holland before you go, as the island's programme changes.
Explore Nearby Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
Sights near Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg · typical visit: An evening: about 3 hours for a performanceMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Saint Nicholas Naval Cathedral, Saint Petersburg · typical visit: 30–45 minutesMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Yusupov Palace, Saint Petersburg · typical visit: 1.5–2 hours for a standard palace route; approximately 2.5–3 hours for a comprehensive visit including the Rasputin exhibition.Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
New Holland Island, Saint Petersburg · typical visit: 1.5–2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Saint Isaac's Cathedral, Saint Petersburg · typical visit: 1.5–2 hours for the cathedral interior; allow another 45–60 minutes for the colonnade.Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Kolomna, Saint Petersburg
Where is Kolomna?
South-west of the Admiralty, between the Moika and the Griboyedov Canal, in the Admiralteysky District.
Is the Mariinsky Theatre in Kolomna?
Yes, on Theatre Square at the heart of the quarter.
Is the Naval Cathedral open to visitors?
It is a working church and entry is generally free; dress modestly.
Is Kolomna the same as Sennaya Square?
No, Sennaya Square lies to the south-east. See the Sennaya Square Area page.
Which metro station is best?
Sadovaya, with a walk of about fifteen minutes.
Is it good for a short visit?
Yes, a two-hour walk covers the main sights.
Do I need to book the theatre?
Yes, see the Mariinsky ticket guide.
Is it safe in the evening?
The main streets are lit and busy near the theatre, but use ordinary city caution.
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Last updated: October 17, 2026.
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