On 24 October the Smolenskoye Orthodox Cemetery on Vasilyevsky Island holds an autumn volunteer day. While participants clear paths and tidy historic plots, restorers lead a walking tour through the grounds, pointing out notable monuments and the stories behind them. The event is free and open to anyone.
What happens
Volunteers rake leaves, clear litter and maintain areas around listed gravestones. At the same time, restoration specialists walk small groups through the cemetery's history — from 18th-century merchants to the film "Brother" by Aleksei Balabanov, partly shot here.
When and where
Meet at 11:00 at the main gate: Smolenka River Embankment 27, Vasilyevsky Island. The cemetery sits between the Smolenka embankment and Maly Prospekt V.O.
Getting there
The nearest metro is Vasileostrovskaya. Walk along Sredny Prospekt to the Smolenka embankment — about 20 minutes. Buses and trams stop at "Smolenskoye Cemetery."
Who should skip it
Anyone not prepared for outdoor manual work in October weather. It can be muddy and cold. If you only want the tour, ask the organisers whether you can join without participating in the cleanup.
Nearby
A few minutes' walk brings you to the Smolenskoye Lutheran Cemetery, the Mining Museum, and Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment. To explore more of off-the-beaten-path St Petersburg, you can choose an excursion around Vasilyevsky Island.
Good to know
Dress for outdoor work in changeable weather: waterproof boots, old trousers and a warm layer that can get dirty. The organisers may provide tools, but bring work gloves and a water bottle if you have them. Cemetery etiquette matters: keep your voice low, stay on the paths, do not step on graves and ask permission before photographing other visitors. Allow two to three hours, and plan a hot meal afterwards at one of the cafes on Vasilyevsky Island, a short walk or tram ride away.
Verified 23 October 2026
Cover photo: Nikolai Bulykin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Викисклад
