The Eternal Flame at the Field of Mars was used to light subsequent memorial flames at the Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.
During the 18th century, the park was known as the 'Poteshnoye Pole' (Amusement Field) where public festivals and fireworks displays occurred.
The park's design was formalised in the 1920s with the construction of the granite monument by architect Lev Rudnev.
The area once contained a wax figure of Peter the Great created by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, which is now housed in the Hermitage Museum.
The site hosted Russia's first public skating rink and circus performances during the reign of Empress Anna Ioannovna.
The rectangular perimeter of the park is defined by four distinct streets, maintaining a strict grid layout near the Neva River.
The Field of Mars (Marsovo Pole) is a large memorial park in central St. Petersburg that serves as the burial site for revolutionaries and victims of the 1917 February Revolution. It is home to the first permanent Eternal Flame in Russia, lit in 1957 to commemorate those who died during the revolution and subsequent civil conflicts. The park covers approximately nine hectares, enclosed by the Swan Canal, the Moika River, and the Moyka embankment. Historically, the area was a marshy meadow used for military parades and festivals during the 18th century, earning it the name Field of Mars. In 1917, the square became a mass grave for victims of the Tsarist collapse, and a complex of granite monuments was later added to the site. The landscape layout reflects a formal French garden style with symmetrical pathways. It is positioned between the Summer Garden and the Marble Palace. The park remains a solemn public space rather than a recreational leisure area.
From the center of the park facing the Eternal Flame with the spire of the Mikhailovsky Castle visible in the background.
Visit during the evening to see the illumination of the Eternal Flame, which provides a stark contrast against the dark granite.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Summer Garden for a complete historical tour of the area.
Dress for unpredictable weather, as the park is open and exposed to winds blowing off the nearby Neva River.
Do not treat the area as a sports park for jogging or cycling, as it is a somber memorial site.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, as the site functions as a memorial and mass grave.
