[2] In 1817, the island was bought for 350,000 rubles by the Imperial Cabinet on behalf of the Russian Monarchy.

The following year the palace grounds underwent a thorough redesigning and restructuring led by architect Carlo Rossi.

The works lasted four years and included a vast English landscape garden with a system of canals, bridges and ponds, as well as grottoes and gazebos.

[3] Formerly off-limits for most local people, after the Russian Revolution, the isle was opened to the public as an urban park which still bears the name of Sergei Kirov.

There are also rollerblade and bicycle rentals, as well as several attractions for children including pony rides, miniature trains and playgrounds.