The death of the leader of the group “King and the Clown” came as a shock to millions of punk rock fans, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Russian music. A lot of time has passed since the tragic event in 2013, but the flow of people wanting to honor the artist’s memory does not dry up even for a day. Fans from all over the country and neighboring countries continue to come to St. Petersburg to lay flowers at his resting place.
However, despite the musician’s popularity, finding the exact location of the burial can be difficult due to the vast territory of the necropolis and constant changes in navigation. Many visitors get lost among the thousands of graves, not knowing the exact plot number or landmarks. In this article we will look in detail at how to find grave of Mikhail Gorshenev, consider the history of the creation of the monument and answer frequently asked questions.
It is important to understand that a cemetery is a place of silence and respect, so knowing the rules of behavior and the exact route will help you avoid awkward situations and wasting time. We have prepared up-to-date information that will allow you to quickly reach your goal and calmly say goodbye to your idol.
Address and location at Northern Cemetery
Mikhail Gorshenev rests on Northern Cemetery St. Petersburg, which is one of the largest necropolises in the city. The exact address is: Vyborg highway, house 236. This place was not chosen by chance, since it was here that many famous residents of the city were buried in the post-Soviet period. The burial is located on the so-called “Artists Alley”, which makes it easier for those who know the general layout to find it.
The area of the necropolis is huge, and without exact coordinates or a diagram it is very easy to get lost here. The memorial is located in the 11th precinct, which is key information for navigation within the perimeter. If you are planning a trip by public transport or car, you need to study the map in advance so as not to circle in endless rows.
⚠️ Attention: Navigation applications may show different entrances to the cemetery. To visit Gorshenev’s grave, it is better to focus on the central entrance from the Vyborg highway, where the main signs are located.
For those who use GPS navigators, it is recommended to enter not just the name of the cemetery, but specific coordinates or search by name in necropolis databases, if such a function is available. This will save you time and effort, especially in winter or during rainy periods when the ground may be slippery.
How to get there: transport accessibility and routes
You can get to the burial site by various means of transport, but each of them has its own characteristics. Public transport runs regularly, but delays may occur on weekends when visitors are at their highest. Let's look at the main route options to help you plan your trip.
The fastest way to get to the cemetery is to use the metro followed by a transfer to ground transport. Parnas metro station (purple line) is the closest arrival point. From there, buses and minibuses run to the gates of the necropolis, making this route the most popular among pilgrims.
- 🚇 Metro and bus: Having reached the Parnassus station, go to ground transport and take bus No. 139, 203 or 204, which will take you directly to the Northern Cemetery stop.
- 🚗 Personal car: If you are traveling by car, follow the Vyborg highway towards the region; There are parking spaces near the cemetery, but they can be completely full on weekends.
- 🚕 Taxi: When ordering a taxi, indicate the exact address “Vyborg highway, 236” so that the driver does not take you to other entrances or incorrect locations.
It is worth noting that on memorial days, such as the birthday or death day of a musician, traffic in the cemetery area may be difficult. Police often close adjacent streets to manage the flow of people, so allow extra time.
Description of the monument and memorial complex
The monument at the grave of Mikhail Gorshenev is not just a tombstone, but a full-fledged work of art, reflecting the rebellious spirit of the artist. The sculptural composition is made in the form of the figure of the Pot himself, sitting in his recognizable pose, which creates the illusion of live communication with fans. The material was high-quality granite and bronze, which ensures the durability of the structure.
There is a small front garden around the main monument, where fans traditionally leave flowers, candles and symbolic objects. You can often see here guitars, notes and other attributes associated with the work of the “King and the Jester” group. The decoration of the grave is constantly updated by loved ones and fans, maintaining a neat appearance.
Who is the author of the monument?
The author of the sculptural composition is a talented master who managed to convey not only the external resemblance, but also the inner energy of the musician. Details of clothing and facial expressions are worked out with special care.
What makes this place unique is that it has become an informal open-air museum. People come here not only to mourn, but also to feel involved in the history of the rock movement. The atmosphere here is special - a mixture of sadness, nostalgia and lively energy that Mikhail left behind.
Burial history and fan traditions
The funeral of Mikhail Gorshenev took place on July 22, 2013 and turned into a large-scale event that attracted thousands of people. The ceremony took place in an atmosphere of deep respect, despite the authorities' initial concerns regarding possible unrest. Since then, a strong tradition has developed to visit this place on certain dates.
The main days of the pilgrimage were July 17 (death day) and February 17 (birthday). On these dates, not only old friends and stage colleagues gather at the grave, but also new generations of fans who did not find the artist alive. Traditionally, people perform his songs, light fireworks and leave symbolic gifts.
☑️ What to take with you to the grave
There is an unspoken rule - do not make excessive noise and behave with dignity so as not to disturb the peace of other deceased people resting nearby. Although Gorshenev was a rebel, his final resting place requires silence and concentration. Many come here to share their successes or just have a heart-to-heart talk.
Opening hours and rules for visiting the necropolis
The Northern Cemetery has set operating hours that vary depending on the time of year. In summer, gates open earlier and close later; in winter, the schedule is reduced. Visitors must strictly adhere to these time limits, as security may not allow you into the area or may ask you to leave.
There are also general rules of behavior that apply to all necropolises of the city. It is prohibited to leave garbage, play music loudly (except for quiet performance at a specific grave on memorial days) and organize mass unauthorized events. Administration maintains order, and violation of the rules may result in administrative liability.
| Period of the year | Opening hours | Features |
|---|---|---|
| May - September | 09:00 — 19:00 | Increased flow of visitors |
| October - April | 09:00 — 17:00 | Shortened daylight hours |
| Easter / Radonitsa | 07:00 — 19:00 | Additional inputs work |
| New Year holidays | 09:00 — 15:00 | Limited access |
Please note that on days of mass visits, the administration may introduce temporary restrictions on the entry of personal vehicles or change the traffic pattern inside the cemetery. Always check the information boards upon entry for up-to-date information.
Take cash with you in small denominations - there may be flower sellers on site who do not accept cards due to poor communication.
Practical advice and navigation
Searching for a specific burial in such a vast area as the Northern Cemetery can turn into a long quest without the right preparation. Experienced visitors are advised not to rely only on memory or general phrases, but to use specific landmarks. Gorshenev’s grave is easy to recognize by the crowd of people and wreaths, especially on weekends.
If you arrive on a weekday when there are few people, use the map of the necropolis, which can be found at the entrance or downloaded in advance. Move from the central alleys to the periphery, paying attention to the signs for the areas. Plot No. 11 is located in the depths of the territory, so comfortable shoes will not be superfluous.
⚠️ Attention: In rainy weather, the soil in some areas of the cemetery may be seriously washed away. It is recommended to wear waterproof shoes with non-slip soles to avoid injury.
It is also worth considering the human factor: you can politely ask the caretakers or attendants at the entrance for directions. They often know where popular burial sites are and can point out the shortest route. Don't hesitate to ask other visitors going in the same direction.
The main landmark is the central alley and a sign to the 11th section, where the burials of cultural figures are concentrated.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to photograph the monument and the people around it?
You can take photographs of the monument itself and lay flowers. However, filming other visitors without their permission is not advisable, especially if they are in a state of emotional distress or grief. Respect people's personal space.
Is it allowed to leave alcohol on a grave?
Officially, leaving alcoholic beverages on the territory of the cemetery is prohibited by the rules of landscaping. Security can remove the bottles. It is better to limit yourself to flowers and lit candles (in special lanterns).
Is there a toilet and a store near the grave?
There are sanitary areas and kiosks on the territory of the Northern Cemetery, but they may be closed in winter or on weekdays. It is recommended to relieve yourself before entering or in the nearest shopping centers near the Parnas metro station.
Is it possible to come at night?
The cemetery operates strictly according to schedule. At night, access to the territory is closed; security will not let you in. It’s better to come during daylight hours so that you have time to find a place and return before the gates close.
Where can I park my car if the parking lot is full?
If the main parking lot is full, you can try parking on the adjacent sides of the Vyborg Highway, following the traffic rules and watching for stop signs to avoid getting a fine.