Prospekt (street)

Prospekt (Russian: проспе́кт, IPA: [prɐˈspʲekt] ⓘ) is a Slavic term describing a broad, multi-lane and very long straight street in urban areas,[1][2] which serves as an arterial road.

In the first years of construction of St Petersburg (in the early 18th century), the city's broad ways were called "perspectiva" (Russian: перспектива, literally, visual or graphical perspective).

Later on, the term came into the national languages of the Soviet Republics which became independent states in 1991.

Prospekt is cognate with the English term prospect, both derive from Latin prospectus "view, outlook".

In the 18th century Russia, prospekt was used specifically for very long straight streets, especially in St. Petersburg, because they afforded a spectacular view from one end to the other when looking down them.