The Russian port city, whose historic center is protected by UNESCO, attracts many tourists looking for something new. A trip to the colorful Kronstadt is an important part of all sightseeing tours in St. Petersburg, and some of the most visited monuments are quite unusual.
A unique monument that has earned fame
Probably, in every city there is a special category of attractions that bring luck or fulfill wishes, it is enough to perform a kind of ritual. The "wish tree" in Kronstadt is just that. The sculpture, created for the 300th anniversary of the city, has long earned good fame among local residents and visitors.
A gift from local blacksmiths
In 2004, a unique creation appeared, which no one can pass by. The handmade sculpture "The Wish Tree" in Kronstadt (address: K. Marx Street, next to the Obvodny Canal grate) is a gift from the craftsmen from the Irina construction company.
A four-meter-tall amusing monument in the form of a spreading tree rises in a cozy place: there is a beautiful fountain nearby, a playground is installed, and a quiet courtyard is in the shade, giving the desired coolness in the summer.
Description of the monument
The branches of a good-natured tree with a huge ear, an upturned bitch nose and a cheerful smile are decorated with cute bells. Three owls are sitting on the top, holding metal signs in their paws with the inscriptions "Love", "Health", "Success". This is what people most often dream of when they come here to make cherished desires.
A cute deer is installed next to the sculpture, peering curiously at the tree.
The Wish Tree in Kronstadt: The Rules for Making Wishes
Visitors who came to the original monument whisper something into the giant ear located on the trunk, throw coins, trying to get into the owl’s nest, or sit on a deer. As the locals say, in order for the wish to come true, you must have the following items with you:
- a piece of paper;
- pencil or pen;
- five-ruble coin.
Visitors who came to the “Wish Tree” in Kronstadt should write a cherished dream on a piece of paper, and then wrap a coin in it. Next, the most difficult thing is to throw the package into the nest, which is located at the very top of the sculpture. This is not an easy task, but some lucky ones get to the right place the first time. True, some guides argue that you just need to throw a coin, thinking about desire.
The mysterious ritual does not end there. It is necessary to run around the tree three times clockwise, and then whisper your desire in the ear. After this, you need to listen: if the bells ring, the dream will come true. Then you need to saddle the deer and rub his nose. True, those who dream of great love will also have to kiss the tail of a cute animal in front of an amazed audience.
Desires pure and sinful
Tourists should know that only pure and secret dreams are fulfilled that will not harm other people. It is useless to ask for wealth, because it is a sinful desire, and those who make it may even be offended by the “Wish Tree” in Kronstadt.
The residents themselves came up with the rules of behavior at the monument, so you need to ask them how to behave and what to do. But the eternally rushing guides who want to quickly take their group to the bus do not talk about much, otherwise tourists would spend at the sculpture not 15, but 40 minutes.
Interesting Facts
About once every ten days, the park workers release the nest from accumulated coins, otherwise kilograms of five rubles will damage the structure. True, they are also helped by children skillfully climbing up.
Famous politicians, businessmen, and representatives of Russian show business come here who believe in signs.
The "Wish Tree" in Kronstadt is treated as a living creature. Visitors greet him, say goodbye and talk, listen to him. It is believed that a cast-iron giant, having a heart and soul, sees and hears everything, and the wide smile of the main favorite of the townspeople is the key to a good mood for the whole day.
