Why the island is called Krestovsky is still not known for certain, but it was precisely this name (Ristisaari - Cross Island) that it bore on Finnish maps. There are several versions of the origin of its name. According to one of them, the island was named after the Krestovka River, which flows nearby "According to the second version, there was a chapel on the island, from which only a cross later remained. Another option is that the name is associated with a cruciform-shaped lake.

Under the Razumovsky nobles, a beautiful large estate appeared here, which was complemented by a wonderfully arranged palace and park ensemble. There were and taverns: Russian, German, Krestovsky Garden.A Yacht Club was organized by the sea.During the blockade, the stadium located on Krestovsky Island hosted a historic football match.This is evidenced by a commemorative plaque and a list of the names of the players.Now a new arena has been built on the site of that stadium. By the way, not far from it there is a track where they like to ride like Formula 1600 racers, as well as ordinary karting enthusiasts. For children, there is a huge [amusement park "Divo-Ostrov"] (https://kudago.com/spb/place/divo-ostrov/). It is the absolute leader among all similar places in the Northern capital. In addition, parents can go with their children to the [dolphinarium](https://kudago.com/spb/place/delfinarij-na-krestovskom/), where cute dolphins show the audience funny performances with jumps, songs and drawing pictures.

The most interesting thing is that once, due to unpleasant swampiness, these territories did not attract the local elite as a recreation area. Here [on the beach of Krestovsky Island](https://kudago.com/spb/place/plyazh-krestovskogo-ostrova/) ordinary people were swimming and boating more and more. Today the situation is exactly the opposite. The island is being built up with might and main with elite housing, and the cost per square meter is the highest in the city.

From the history of the island

The first mention of the island dates back to the 16th century. The estates of A.D. were located on Krestovsky. Menshikov, later Empress Elizabeth donated the land to the Razumovsky brothers, who built their estate there, and also began to create, as they would say now, entertainment infrastructure: a cable car, taverns, a yacht club and much more.

In the 19th century, the new owner - Prince Beloselsky-Belozersky - built a sports center on the island and set up a full-fledged park complex, but the place did not gain popularity among the nobility due to severe swampiness. On the other hand, commoners swam on the beaches with pleasure.

In the dramatic 20th century, [Primorsky Victory Park: ](https://kudago.com/spb/place/primorskij-park-pobedy/ ) it was planted with trees by the inhabitants of undefeated Leningrad themselves. The famous poetess Anna Akhmatova dedicated poems to the park. Also in the last century, the Kirov Stadium appeared on Krestovsky Island, which has become one of the key venues for sports and music events. It was subsequently demolished.

Krestovsky Island now

In the 21st century, entertainment facilities began to appear on the island again: [Divo-Ostrov amusement park](https://kudago.com/spb/place/divo- ostrov/), [dolphinarium](https://kudago.com/spb/place/delfinarij-na-krestovskom/) and, of course, the new and most modern stadium in the city — Gazprom Arena . Now Krestovsky Island is a favorite vacation spot for St. Petersburg residents: families walk here, attend various events, ride bicycles, skate, ski and boat. Also, the most elite cottages and residential complexes are being built here.