Grand Marble Canyon in Ruskeala

The Grand Marble Canyon is the main attraction of the Ruskeala Mountain Park. Marble from the Ruskeala Canyon was highly appreciated by the architects of St. Petersburg and was actively used in the cladding of many palaces, cathedrals and houses. 

The most famous buildings in St. Petersburg, lined with Ruskeala marble: Mikhailovsky Castle, Marble Palace and St. Isaac`s Cathedral. It was also used in the construction of the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo and the Pavlovsk Palace. 

Over two centuries, three quarries were formed in the Ruskeala Mountain Park, one of which had significant dimensions: length 450 m, width 60-100 m, depth 30-50 m. 

During the World War II, the extraction of marble and lime in Ruskeala was stopped. After the war, work in the tunnels continued, but the Great Marble Canyon was preserved and quickly filled with water. Inside the canyon, a lake with azure-colored water has formed, above which steep walls of white and gray marble rock rise. 

Before walking along the banks of the Grand Marble Canyon, it is advisable to take a queue at the boat station and then go for a walk along the shore. In the summer, it is not easy to rent a boat, and it is very interesting to see the canyon from the water. 

There is a walking path around the Ruskeala Canyon, which allows you to see the canyon from a variety of points. From the north side of the canyon, you can enter one of the tunnels. There is also a tower from which you can bungee ride along the entire canyon.