St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

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St. Petersburg Russian Federation

Inextricably tied to the significant events of the Soviet Union, St. Petersburg cannot shake off its imperial history. Physically, at least, St. Petersburg has been the city of the tsars since Peter the Great established the city in a marshland and relocated the capital here from Moscow in 1712 to foster better connections with the West. Many of the major baroque and neoclassical buildings, well-planned streets, and landscaped parks are the creations of imperial French and Italian architects. St. Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia, is often referred to as Russia's Western Gate, and the City of White Nights. For a magnificent view of the city, ascend the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral on Isaakievskaya square, a grand example of 19th century civic-religious architecture; its dome is coated in pure gold. Nearby, on Senate Square overlooking the Neva, stands Falconet's Monument to Peter the Great. The Peter and Paul Fortress was established by Peter the Great and was constructed in just one year between 1703 and 1704 during the Great Northern War against Sweden. The fortress was never used for city defense but served as a political prison under the Tsar. Inside the fortress is the main attraction for visitors: the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul housing the tombs of Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Nicholas II, and other tsars. Nevsky Prospect is St. Petersburg's main avenue and one of the most famous streets in Russia. The buildings along Nevsky Prospekt are a treasure trove for art nouveau enthusiasts. Nevsky Prospect is also the city's central shopping street and the hub of the city's entertainment and nightlife. Even if the rest of the city were non-existent, the Hermitage alone would warrant a week-long visit to St. Petersburg. Located in the magnificent, opulent Winter Palace, the former residence of the tsars, this art collection undoubtedly ranks among the world's finest. But before you delve into the art, take in the main halls where the tsar ruled and entertained, particularly the awe-inspiring Malachite Hall, where the provisional Government held its last meeting before the revolution erupted around it. Cool and aristocratic St. Petersburg is a splendid city with beautiful architecture everywhere. Often likened to the Venice of the North, St Petersburg is a city defined by water. Whether you're cruising the elegant canals, crossing one of the 342 bridges in the city, or simply watching them being raised over the mighty Neva River at night to allow ships to pass through, you're never far from water in St Petersburg.
Recommended airport
Pulkovo (LED)
Points of interest
  • Summer Garden
  • Kazan Cathedral
  • Palace Square
Nearby destinations