TOP 15 attractions in the center of St. Petersburg 


St. Petersburg is a beautiful and extraordinary city that has a rich history. It attracts tourists with majestic buildings, extraordinary bridges, huge museum collections, and luxurious theaters.

In St. Petersburg you can visit so many things that your eyes will run wild from this variety. We will tell you about the most famous and interesting places in the cultural capital, namely, the sights of the center of St. Petersburg . By the way, we also have a detailed review of what to see in the city in 3 days and about unusual courtyards in St. Petersburg.

to visit St. Petersburg after the pandemic , but you must wear masks and gloves in public places. Some city attractions operate with restrictions or are completely closed. We are sharing a list of current excursions that are already 100% POSSIBLE : a walk along rivers and canals with access to the Gulf of Finland, a night cruise on a boat under drawbridges, an unusual excursion along the roofs of St. Petersburg, a trip to Peterhof, Kronstadt and Fort Constantine with a guide. All of these excursions are available after quarantine without restrictions .

Kazan Cathedral

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Kazanskaya square, 2
  • Opening hours: every day from 6:30 to 20:00
  • the entrance is free

The Kazan Cathedral was built in 1801-1811. designed by architect Andrey Voronikhin. After the Patriotic War of 1812, the cathedral received the significance of a monument to Russian military glory. In 1737, the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was brought to the temple. The cathedral was named “Kazan” after the icon it kept. Now it is one of the main attractions of the center of St. Petersburg. You can visit the temple either independently or with a guided tour, which takes place every day from 10:00 to 18:00.

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It is better to come to the Kazan Cathedral in the morning to feel the “sacral atmosphere” in silence. You can also attend the service and enjoy the singing of the choir. Before visiting the temple, you should turn off your phone. There is a dress code in the cathedral: you can visit the temple only in closed clothes, without a neckline. Women should also cover their heads. An unusual way to see the Kazan Cathedral is from the roof or with a city guide .

Church of the Resurrection of Christ (Savior on Spilled Blood)

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Griboyedov Canal embankment, 2B
  • Opening hours: from 10:30 to 18:00, day off – Wednesday
  • Ticket price: adult – 350 rubles, children (from 7 to 18 years old) – 100 rubles, children (under 7 years old) – free

The Church of the Resurrection of Christ (Savior on Spilled Blood) recalls a tragic historical event - the assassination of Alexander II. Here in 1881 Ignatius Grinevitsky mortally wounded the Tsar. The cathedral was built in 1883-1907. designed by architects Alfred Parland and Archimandrite Ignatius. Initially, the temple was not a parish church; services dedicated to the memory of Alexander II were held there. Only in 1997 did the temple begin to receive visitors.

To see all the sights of the center of St. Petersburg , book a tour on Tripster or Sputnik. Prices for group excursions start from 510 rubles, individual excursions start from 790 rubles.

The cathedral has a rich mosaic collection. Mosaics are found not only on the walls, but also on domes and vaults. Ornamental and semi-precious stones were used to decorate the cathedral. The iconostasis contains the icons “The Mother of God and the Child” and “The Savior”. In the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, you cannot take photographs or talk loudly during services. By the way, you can take good photos of this landmark in the center of St. Petersburg from the Kazansky and Novo-Konyushenny bridges. Visiting the Church of the Resurrection of Christ is allowed only in closed clothes, without a neckline. Women should cover their heads. get acquainted with the Savior on Spilled Blood inside and outside on sightseeing tours Walk like a St. Petersburger and First acquaintance with the city .

Interesting places in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is no stranger to surprising tourists. Canals, drawbridges, white nights, ancient temples, noble estates, royal residences, museums, galleries - it would take a month to see everything.

Mikhailovsky Castle

Mikhailovsky Castle

This is a gloomy castle, which is surrounded on all sides by an artificial moat. It was built by order of Emperor Paul I. Construction was carried out at an accelerated pace: both day and night. The emperor sought to complete construction as quickly as possible in order to move to his new residence. The work was completed in 1801. However, the emperor was not able to enjoy his brainchild; he lived in it for only 40 days, where he was killed by the conspirators in March of the same year. After the assassination of Paul I, the castle was abandoned, and the royal family refused to live in it. In 1819, the castle housed the Nikolaev Engineering School, which trained military personnel. During its existence, Mikhailovsky Castle was rebuilt several times; for example, ditches were filled in and drawbridges were eliminated. Currently, the castle is a branch of the Russian Museum. It is worth a visit for the beautifully restored Throne Hall of Empress Maria Feodorovna and the Oval Hall.

Pavlovsk (museum-reserve)

Pavlovsk (museum-reserve)

This is another iconic place near St. Petersburg, associated with the name of Emperor Paul I. In Pavlovsk there is a palace and park ensemble that served as the royal summer residence. Construction of the palace began in the 18th century under Catherine II. Architects C. Cameron, V. Brenna, G. Quarenghi and C. Rossi worked on the project. The golden palace was erected on the banks of the Slavyanka River. The main building consists of three floors, which are crowned by a flat dome. On both sides of the central building there are galleries framed by snow-white columns. Around the palace there is a landscaped park decorated with sculptures, pavilions and monuments. During the Great Patriotic War, the palace and park were badly damaged. Currently, the halls of the palace have been restored and appear before visitors in all their splendor. The Italian Hall, the Greek Hall with green marble columns, the State Bedchamber, and Maria Feodorovna's Boudoir make an indelible impression on all visitors to the palace.

* There is a railway connection between St. Petersburg and Pavlovsk, which allows you to visit the palace and park ensemble on your own.

Bronze Horseman

Bronze Horseman

This is the most famous statue of Peter the Great. Its opening took place in 1782. The material for making the monument was not copper, but bronze. And the name “Bronze Horseman” appeared with a light stroke of the pen of A.S. Pushkin and the poem of the same name written by him. The monument was made by sculptor E. Falconet by order of Empress Catherine II. The pedestal for the sculpture is a huge megalith found near St. Petersburg. A complex logistics operation was carried out to transport it to the capital. Many legends were born around the Bronze Horseman. One of them says that as long as the monument is in its place, St. Petersburg has nothing to fear, since it is under the protection of Peter I.

Lakhta Center

Lakhta Center

This is a modern landmark of St. Petersburg, which is located in the Primorsky district. Lakhta Center is a whole complex of public buildings located in a huge skyscraper. The height of the building is 462 meters. Due to the scale of the skyscraper, many residents opposed its construction, believing that it would spoil the historical appearance of the Northern capital. Under the roof of the building there is an observation deck, a planetarium, a children's science center, Gazprom headquarters, a sports center, a medical center, a panoramic restaurant, cafes and shops.

Vyborg Castle

Vyborg Castle

Near St. Petersburg, on a small island in the Gulf of Finland, there is a castle that was built at the end of the 13th century by the Swedes. The latter captured these lands from Veliky Novgorod and built their outpost here. Despite all their efforts, the Novgorodians were never able to regain this territory. What the Novgorodians failed to do, Peter the Great accomplished during the Northern War. The castle was built according to the latest military engineering of its time: powerful fortress walls, a high donjon in the center. Vyborg Castle could withstand a long siege and remain impregnable. The castle underwent significant reconstructions in the 16th century, most of which form the modern appearance of the citadel. It’s a special pleasure to climb the steep steps to the observation deck of St. Olaf’s Tower, from where a stunning panorama of the surrounding area opens up.

Smolny Institute

Smolny Institute

The building of the Smolny Institute was erected between 1806 and 1808. designed by the architect G. Quarenghi. This is the first higher educational institution created for “noble maidens.” Girls entered college at the age of 6 years. The training continued until the age of 18. Among the compulsory subjects, they studied the Law of God, home economics, geography, foreign languages, history, music, dancing, and painting. At the end of the educational institution, exams were taken, which were often attended by members of the imperial family. In 1917, the Smolny Institute became the main center of revolutionary life in Petrograd. Decrees on peace and land were adopted here, Bolshevik congresses were held here, and V. Lenin’s headquarters was located here. After the capital was moved to Moscow, the building of the Smolny Institute became home to the Leningrad City Council of Deputies. The administrative building is still used today; the residence of the governor is located here.

Palace Bridge

Raising the bridge

It is not for nothing that St. Petersburg is famous as the Venice of the North. A huge number of rivers, canals and bridges make up its architectural core. No trip to St. Petersburg would be complete without attending the bridge raising ceremony. This is both a spectacular and extremely interesting procedure, which has long become the calling card of the Northern capital. Most of the drawbridges cross the Bolshaya Neva, Malaya Neva and Neva. Divorce occurs at night to ensure navigation on the rivers. The current schedule can be found on the Mostotrest website. For example, the Palace Bridge, which is most popular among residents and tourists for watching the divorce, rises at 1:35 and 3:20, and descends at 2:45 and 4:50. So, having watched the opening of the Palace Bridge once, you can stay for the second ceremony.

Lumiere Hall

Lumiere Hall

St. Petersburg has the glory of being the cultural capital of Russia. Numerous museums, galleries, exhibition halls, and theaters make a great contribution to this title. Lumiere Hall is one of the creative spaces where interactive and multimedia exhibitions are held. The main specialization of Lumiere Hall has become the provision of famous paintings by artists in unusual content. Visitors will be treated to 3D projections in 360º format with audio commentary and music. Interestingly, such exhibitions are called “living canvases.” Recent installations include works by Aivazovsky, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Banksy.

Anichkov Bridge

Anichkov Bridge

Walking around St. Petersburg, travelers find themselves in the most beautiful places. Anichkov Bridge is one of them. This is a small arched bridge over the Fontanka River that connects Spassky and Bezymyanny Islands. It is decorated with the famous sculptures “The Taming of a Horse by Man” by P.K. Klodt. These are four sculptures that personify the four stages of conquering a horse by man. The composition is structured in such a way that, moving from one sculpture to another, a passerby can read the whole story of struggle and subjugation. The sculptures were made of bronze. No additional frame was used in their creation, which makes the entire four even more outstanding work.

Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars

This is one of the most beautiful parks in the Northern capital. Green lawns, an abundance of bushes and trees make this place an ideal option for athletes, lovers of summer tanning and picnics in nature. Many townspeople come here to get some fresh air, read a book or meet friends. The Champ de Mars is not only a public park, but also a necropolis. There is a memorial to the victims of the February and October revolutions and the Civil War. Many prominent revolutionaries found their final rest here. For example, M.S. Uritsky, V. Volodarsky, S.M. Nakhimson, Latvian riflemen. The Field of Mars can be used as a starting point for a walk around St. Petersburg: within walking distance are the Summer Garden, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Mikhailovsky Castle, the Russian Museum, the Faberge Museum, the Kazan Cathedral, and the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Great Menshikov Palace (Oranienbaum)

Great Menshikov Palace (Oranienbaum)

There are several palace and park ensembles near St. Petersburg, Oranienbaum is one of them. The pearl of the complex is the Grand Palace and the park around it. The palace was built by the will of Peter the Great's closest associate, Alexander Menshikov. Construction began in 1711 and was completed by 1727. A two-story building was erected on a natural hill according to the design of the architect I.G. Shedelya. The central building is adjacent to galleries with pavilions. Marble, Dutch tiles, stucco, gold, tapestries, mosaics, and sculptures were used to decorate the interior. A. Menshikov ordered an amazingly beautiful iconostasis for the church; unfortunately, it has not survived to this day. Oranienbaum was lucky; the palace was not damaged during the Great Patriotic War and has reached us in its original form, with the exception of most of the interior decoration. There is a park around the palace, which occupies an area of ​​162 hectares. There is a convenient walking route through the park with an inspection of all significant places, pavilions, and fountains.

Palace Square

  • Address: St. Petersburg, pl. Palace

Palace Square is the main square of the cultural capital. The square represents the ensemble of the Winter Palace, the General Staff Building, the headquarters building of the Guards Corps, the Small Hermitage and the New Hermitage.

And the main decoration is the Alexander Column. It is dedicated to the victory of Russian troops in the war with Napoleon. At the foot of the Alexander Column there is the text “Grateful Russia to Alexander I.” You can get acquainted with the square on the Palace Petersburg .

Main attractions of St. Petersburg

If this is your first time in St. Petersburg, then you can start exploring the city from the Hermitage, a walk along Nevsky Prospect, a visit to Peterhof and the famous churches of the northern capital: St. Isaac's Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. A mandatory sightseeing program should include a walk along the city’s canals, a visit to the theater and the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Hermitage

Hermitage

The future largest museum of fine and applied arts began its history with the collection collected by Empress Catherine the Great. Late 1700s the entire collection was housed in a small palace outbuilding - the Small Hermitage. Currently, the museum occupies six buildings and stores more than 3 million exhibits. This makes the Hermitage the second largest art museum in the world after the French Louvre. The museum houses an impressive collection of Russian art of the 11th-19th centuries, Egyptian antiquities, works of the Impressionists, archaeological finds (Scythian gold, ceramic samples, bronze castings, stone slabs with petroglyphs), paintings by the “old masters”, magnificent state rooms of the imperial family, armor and weapons. One day is not enough to view the entire exhibition, so it is better to visit the museum either on a tour, where they will show and talk about the most significant artifacts, or spend several days studying the Hermitage collection.

Peter-Pavel's Fortress

Peter-Pavel's Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress was built in 1703 to protect the city from possible enemy attack. Over the next four decades, the fortress was constantly strengthened and modified. And although she never took part in battles, she has a dark history. The Citadel became the main political prison in Russia. The former casemates were converted into cells. One of the first prisoners was Tsarevich Alexei, son of Peter the Great. During Soviet times, mass executions took place here. Currently, the Peter and Paul Fortress is part of the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg. Behind the fortress walls, among the cobbled paths and green gardens, lies the historical heritage of the city. The most significant building on the territory of the fortress is the Peter and Paul Cathedral. This is the final resting place of the Russian Tsars.

Palace Square

Palace Square

This is the main city square of St. Petersburg. On one side it is framed by the majestic Winter Palace, on the other by the Admiralty, the General Staff Building, and the Guards Corps Headquarters Building. The central place on the square is occupied by the Alexander Column. It was built in the 1830s. made from a single piece of pink granite. The column rises above the city at an altitude of 47 meters. The monument was erected by order of Emperor Alexander I to commemorate the victory over Napoleon Bonaparte during the Patriotic War of 1812. Interestingly, the column is not secured in any way and is supported only by its own weight. Currently, Palace Square is a favorite place for holding public events, ranging from concerts to military parades.

Yusupov Palace

Yusupov Palace

The Yusupov Palace is located on the embankment of the Moika River and is the best place to see how aristocrats lived in Tsarist Russia. And, although the appearance of the palace is quite modest, real luxury is hidden behind its pastel yellow walls. Numerous halls are decorated with tapestries, frescoes, exquisite furniture, stucco moldings, paintings, and sculptures. The palace was built in the 1770s. and over the course of 60 years it changed several owners, until in 1830 it was acquired by B.N. Yusupov. His family owned the palace until the October Revolution of 1917. Yusupov Palace is known as the place where Grigory Rasputin was killed in 1916. A separate museum exposition is dedicated to this event.

Peterhof (palace and park ensemble)

Peterhof (palace and park ensemble)

Near St. Petersburg there is an architectural complex that is rightly called “Russian Versailles”. The imperial country residence was founded by Peter the Great. Peterhof consists of a complex of gardens, a number of buildings, including the Grand Palace and, of course, fountains. 173 fountains are fed by underground springs, the water of which enters them through a specially created water pipeline. This miracle of Russian hydraulic engineering has been working for more than 300 years! The largest of the fountains is called the “Grand Cascade”; it is located right at the main entrance to the palace. You can get to the palace on a guided tour. Inside, visitors will find about 30 luxurious halls, decorated with gold, marble, rare species of wood, and stucco. Public transport runs between St. Petersburg and Peterhof; you can also get here by private car. The trip will not take more than 45 minutes. But it is better to go here on a speedboat - meteor. This is the most pleasant way to get to the attraction from St. Petersburg.

Nevsky Avenue

Nevsky Avenue

Nevsky Prospekt is 4.5 km long. is the heart of St. Petersburg. It goes from the Admiralty building to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, which gave the name to the street. On Nevsky Prospekt there are many historical sights of St. Petersburg: the Kazan Cathedral, Gostiny Dvor, Eliseevsky Store, Stroganov Palace. There are also many luxury shops, fashionable restaurants, and luxury hotels. You should definitely take a walk along the avenue to enjoy the architecture of this place. Along the way you will meet three bridges: over the Moika River, the Griboyedov Canal and the Fontanka River. Anichkov Bridge is one of them; it was badly damaged during the Great Patriotic War. There are still traces of fascist shells here. This serves as a reminder of the days of the siege of Leningrad and the heroism of its inhabitants.

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

This is one of the most beautiful and bright. The temple was built in the Old Russian style, focusing on Moscow and Yaroslavl cathedrals. Many visitors note the similarity of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood with St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. The place for the construction of the temple was not chosen by chance; it was here that the fatal assassination attempt on Emperor Alexander II took place. The cathedral was built in memory of the martyr king. Construction took 24 years. Mainly not because of lack of funding, but because of the complexity of the work and the rarity of finishing materials that were collected throughout Russia. The 7,500 square meters of mosaics that cover the walls and ceiling of the temple deserve special words of admiration. With the advent of Soviet power, the church was removed from the state budget, and then completely closed. During the siege of Leningrad, the temple was used as a city morgue. After the end of the Second World War, a warehouse was organized within the walls of the cathedral. The restoration of the former splendor of the Savior on Spilled Blood began only in the 80s. last century. However, instead of opening the temple after restoration, a mosaic museum opened here.

Mariinskii Opera House

Mariinskii Opera House

St. Petersburg has the glory of being the cultural capital of Russia. The Mariinsky Theater made a significant contribution to this status. The theater troupe was formed at the end of the 18th century, but acquired its own building only in 1860. The building was built in a neoclassical style with elements of neo-Byzantine design. Immediately after its opening, the Mariinsky Theater became the most outstanding concert hall in the country. It was here that the premieres of P.I.’s main masterpieces took place. Tchaikovsky and M.P. Mussorgsky. Currently, this is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in St. Petersburg. Tickets for performances must be purchased in advance, be it the ballet Anna Karenina or the opera by N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Golden Cockerel".

Aurora (Cruiser)

Aurora (Cruiser)

This is a retired Russian warship. It was built in the early 1900s. for the needs of the Baltic Fleet. He received his baptism of fire during the Russian-Japanese War of 1904-1905. The ship took part in the famous Battle of Tsushima, where the Russian fleet suffered a crushing defeat and suffered numerous losses among both personnel and ships. The cruiser’s combat journey did not end there; it managed to take part in the First World War. Then he was chartered to St. Petersburg, where he met the Russian Revolution. The beginning of the Russian Revolution of 1917 is traditionally associated with a blank shot fired from the guns of the cruiser Aurora. Currently, the warship is a museum and is laid up on the Neva. Visitors can not only walk along the deck of the ship, but also examine the interior, see in what conditions the crew members lived, ate, and slept. For an additional fee, you can inspect the cruiser's engine room.

Hermitage

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Palace Square, 2
  • Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday – 12:00-21:00, day off – Monday
  • Ticket prices: electronic entrance ticket - 500 rubles, Heroes of the Soviet Union, Heroes of the Russian Federation, full holders of the Order of Glory, children under 7 years old - free. You can buy a skip-the-line ticket using this link.

The Hermitage is the largest museum in the world. It consists of such departments as primitive culture, the ancient world, the history of Russian culture, the culture of the peoples of the East, numismatics, Western European art, works of decorative and applied art, and a graphic collection. The Hermitage contains many famous exhibits: “Madonna and Child” by Leonardo da Vinci, “Madonna and Child” by Raphael Santi, “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Rembrandt van Rijn, “The Dance” by Henri Matisse.

The Hermitage is so large that it is impossible to get around it in one or several days. Due to the current epidemiological situation, the museum has created certain routes for which you can buy a ticket. Don't forget that this is one of the most visited attractions in St. Petersburg in the center. It is better to visit the museum in the morning, when there are not so many people. You can take one of the popular guided routes - an excursion into the world of art , a tour of the Hermitage , His Imperial Majesty the Hermitage , a tour of the Hermitage for children and adults .

Nevsky Avenue

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Nevsky Ave.

Nevsky Prospekt is the main street of St. Petersburg, where there are many attractions, museums, historical houses, cafes and shops. Nevsky Prospect starts from the bank of the Neva at the Admiralty and ends at the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. It is convenient to start the route from the Admiralteyskaya metro station.

Various events are often held on Nevsky Prospekt. Walking along the main street, you will see many famous sights in the center of St. Petersburg. We recommend visiting the Kuptsov Eliseevs store (Nevsky Prospekt, 56). This store sells various desserts, deli meats, spices, oils, and even black caviar. In addition to gastronomy, the store has a luxurious interior and unusual display windows. You can find out the secrets of Nevsky Prospect on an excursion with a St. Petersburger , a walk along Nevsky Prospect , a sweet route along Nevsky Bohemian Petersburg excursion .

Gastronomy

Nowadays, Moscow and St. Petersburg constantly have common projects, and in a variety of areas. The two cities are noticeably actively exchanging gastronomic successes. Restaurants and cafes that became popular in St. Petersburg later open a Moscow analogue. It's the same with Moscow establishments. The Georgian snack bar from St. Petersburg “Khachapuri and Wine” eventually appeared in Moscow. Now this is a whole network, which is equally loved by both St. Petersburg and Muscovites. Another success in Moscow is the “Traffic” project by St. Petersburg restaurateur Aram Mnatsakanov.


Traffic jam on Tsvetnoy Boulevard

First, he created an ideal Italian restaurant on the Neva, which instantly became a hit, and then, after much persuasion (Muscovites persistently asked Mnatsakanov for almost 12 years: “Well, open a “Probka” in Moscow”), he finally launched a restaurant of the same name, located in the Legends residential complex Colored."

Well, the most notable project, which has become one story for two cities, is the Ginza Project. Two friends, Dmitry Sergeev and Vadim Lapin, opened their first Ginza restaurant in St. Petersburg in 2003. They wanted there to be a good Japanese restaurant in the city, and they did it.


Restaurant "Moscow" (Ginza Project) on Nevsky

Then they opened another cafe, then they created a chain of sushi bars “Yaposha”. Then there was the sensational opening of the “Mari Vanna” restaurant, where both the interior and the menu were extremely homely. By the way, it was “Mari Vanna” that became one of the first restaurants that Ginza opened in Moscow. Many Muscovites are even surprised when they learn that the network came here from St. Petersburg. The Ginza Project establishments fit into the rhythm of life in the capital so organically and successfully.

Kunstkamera

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Universitetskaya embankment, 3
  • Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00, day off – Monday, sanitary day – last Tuesday of the month
  • Ticket price: adult – 300 rubles, reduced price – 100 rubles

The Kunstkamera is the first Russian museum and the largest ethnographic museum in the world. The Kunstkamera was founded in 1714 by Peter I. In 1734, a new museum building was built. Peter I brought unusual exhibits from all over Russia that were of scientific value for the museum.

Now the Kunstkamera houses collections representing the life and culture of different countries and peoples: Japan, China, Mongolia, Africa, India, Indonesia, Australia. Also on display is the anatomical hall, which houses a collection of deformities and oddities. The Kunstkamera also has exhibitions dedicated to the first astronomical observatory of the Academy of Sciences and Mikhail Lomonosov. Everyone should visit this attraction in the center of St. Petersburg; it will be interesting for children and adults.

Church

In 1923, the church received the status of a cathedral of the diocese, and four years later it became a stronghold of the “Josephites.” By the decision of the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, the church was closed on November 17, 1930 and transferred “for cultural and educational needs.” In 1934, the Society of Political Typists held the exhibition “People's Will” in the cathedral. However, a year later it was closed, the church was removed from state protection, calls were made for the demolition of this masterpiece of Russian architecture, and a plan to this effect was drawn up even before the war.

Today, the art chamber houses the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, created on the basis of the collections of Peter the Great, which were significantly expanded in subsequent years. Soon after the Second World War, the M.V. Museum was opened in the halls of the Kunstkamera. Lomonosov. The great Russian scientist worked in this building for almost a quarter of a century. The museum's collection is dedicated to the beginning of the Academy of Sciences and Lomonosov's contribution to the history of Russian science. The museum exhibits documents and objects from Lomonosov's time, including scientific instruments, books, portraits, engravings, including from the personal collection of the first Russian academician.

Russian Museum

  • Address: St. Petersburg, st. Inzhenernaya, 4
  • Opening hours: Monday - from 10:00 to 20:00, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - from 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday - from 13:00 to 21:00, day off - Tuesday
  • Ticket price: adult – 450 rubles, reduced price – 200 rubles, children (under 16 years old) – free

The Russian Museum is the largest museum of fine arts. Its history begins in 1898. The museum's collection consists of about 400 thousand exhibits.

The Russian Museum houses many famous paintings: “The Last Day of Pompeii” by Karl Bryullov, “The Ninth Wave” by Ivan Aivazovsky, “Barge Haulers on the Volga” by Ivan Repin, “Moonlit Night on the Dnieper” by Arkhip Kuindzhi, “Merchant’s Wife at Tea” by Kustodiev, “The Last Supper” » Nikolai Ge and many others. The museum often hosts various exhibitions. You can take a guided tour on the topic of masterpieces of the Russian Museum , masterpieces of the Mikhailovsky Palace or the Benois Wing and the main paintings of the 20th century .

Saint Isaac's Cathedral

  • Address: St. Petersburg, St. Isaac's Square, 4
  • Opening hours: from 10:30 to 18:00, day off – Wednesday
  • Ticket price: adult – 350 rubles, reduced price – 100 rubles, children under 7 years old free

St. Isaac's Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in St. Petersburg, which has an interesting and rich history. Initially, St. Isaac's Cathedral was a wooden church, which was built in honor of the Byzantine monk Isaac of Dalmatia (his memorial day falls on the birthday of Peter the Great). St. Isaac's Cathedral was constantly changing. Instead of a wooden church, they made a stone one, then they built a new one, but it did not correspond to the main building. And only in 1818 did they begin construction of a new temple designed by the architect Auguste Montferrand. The cathedral turned out to be truly luxurious and monumental. It was given museum status in 1948. Since then it has been one of the main attractions of St. Petersburg in the city center.

Having visited the temple, you will see the luxurious decoration and feel the sacred atmosphere. But you can go beyond just visiting the cathedral and go up to the Colonnade, which offers beautiful views (tickets for the colonnade are sold separately). To get to the observation deck, you will have to climb 262 steps, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Don't forget to wear warm clothes, as it can be windy on the Colonnade. You can relax after visiting St. Isaac's Cathedral and its Colonnade in the panoramic restaurant "Mansarda", which is located nearby. You can get acquainted with the architectural masterpiece on excursions to St. Isaac's Palace from the outside and inside , the entire center of St. Petersburg and St. Isaac's Cathedral .

List of interesting sights of St. Petersburg

It will take more than one day to fully get to know St. Petersburg. No other city in Russia has such a number of iconic places and historical attractions.

Saint Isaac's Cathedral

Saint Isaac's Cathedral

This is the largest Orthodox church belonging to St. Petersburg. However, nowadays religious services are rarely held within the walls of the cathedral; the building has been converted for the needs of a museum. The museum's collection contains many ancient icons, church utensils, silver crosses, religious books, clergy robes, dishes, and mosaics. Construction of the cathedral began in 1818 and lasted 40 years. In 1858, the temple was consecrated in the name of St. Isaac of Dalmatia, a Christian monk who founded a monastery on the outskirts of Constantinople. The best reason to visit St. Isaac's Cathedral is to climb the temple colonnade. From here you can enjoy a magical all-round panorama of the city with its golden spiers and colorful roofline.

Eliseevsky store

Eliseevsky store

There are many beautiful buildings on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg, but even against their background, the store of the Eliseev merchants stands out. The monument of early modern architecture was erected in 1903 according to the design of G.V. Baranovsky. The store immediately became the most luxurious building of its time, designed to emphasize the high status of the trading partnership and attract customers. Stained glass windows, crystal and metal candelabra, mosaics on the walls, sculptures on the facade, and a marble staircase make an indelible impression. Currently, the store is more focused on selling food products, especially delicious baked goods and ice cream. In addition, the store sells souvenirs that you can purchase as a souvenir of your trip to the city on the Neva.

State Russian Museum

State Russian Museum

The Russian Museum is the largest collection of Russian art in the world. Among the museum's exhibits are works of painting, sculpture, numismatics, decorative and applied arts, folk art and household items. The rich collection of ancient church icons, the earliest examples of which date back to the 12th century, deserves special attention. The exhibition of the Russian Museum includes works by outstanding artists: K. Bryullov, I. Aivazovsky, V. Surikov, V. Pukirev, I. Kramskoy, V. Vasnetsov, I. Repin, V. Serov. The number of masterpieces increases with each visit to the hall of the museum, located in the building of the Mikhailovsky Palace. The Mikhailovsky Garden is adjacent to the palace. This is one of the most landscaped parks in St. Petersburg, where you can take a break from the city noise.

Tsarskoye Selo

Catherine Palace

Tsarskoye Selo is located in the city of Pushkin near St. Petersburg. Here is the former royal residence, which was turned into a museum after the arrival of Soviet power. Two palaces were erected for the residence of members of the royal family: the Catherine Palace with a park and the Alexander Palace with a park. Both palaces are evidence of the enormous wealth and power of the imperial family in Russia. The Catherine Palace was erected by order of Catherine I, then rebuilt several times. And in 1752, F. Rastrelli gave it its final appearance. The main attraction of the palace is the Amber Room. The museum guides will definitely tell the story of its creation, tragic loss during the Great Patriotic War and restoration. It is better to set aside a full day to visit Tsarskoye Selo. This is enough not only to view the palace exposition, walk through one of the most beautiful landscape parks, but also for a leisurely picnic in nature.

Church of St. Anne

Church of St. Anne

This is one of the most mysterious attractions that belongs to St. Petersburg. The Lutheran Church was built at the beginning of the 18th century. During its existence, it has experienced many disasters, from closure under Soviet rule to a cinema under church vaults. The latest tragic event almost destroyed the architectural pearl of St. Petersburg. In 2002, there was a fire in the church building. His traces still remain on the walls and ceiling of the temple. Peeling plaster, a black pattern of fire on a once white surface, two spiral staircases, mysterious twilight and many legends await visitors inside the Church of St. Anne. If you don’t believe in mysticism, then you can come here for exhibitions, concerts, and fairs. Part of the funds from these events goes to the restoration of the temple.

Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art

Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art

This is one of the most visited museums in St. Petersburg and at the same time the largest private museum of contemporary art in Russia. The history of the museum began ten years ago and since then exhibitions, theatrical performances, concerts, educational events, and author meetings have become an integral part of the museum space and the cultural life of the city. The Erarta collection includes works by Russian artists, sculptors, graphic artists, and photographers. Among the museum's exhibits there are installations that ask and answer complex philosophical questions: who we are, where we came from, why we live, how life began, the inevitability of death, loneliness and love. The museum presents works by both recognized masters of contemporary art and unknown authors.

New Holland

New Holland

This is one of the best public spaces in St. Petersburg. New Holland is an island shaped like a triangle. The island is framed on three sides by the Moika River and two canals: Kryukov and Admiralteysky. For most of its existence, the island was closed to general visitors. At first there were warehouses for the needs of the shipyard, repair shops and workshops for the construction of ships. During the First World War, a powerful military radio station appeared on the island. And now, almost three hundred years later, New Holland opened its doors to the public after a large-scale reconstruction. Historic red brick and granite buildings have been converted into concert venues, shops, cafes and restaurants. Festivals, film screenings, sporting events, and master classes are regularly held here. There is everything you need to spend your time productively and take a break from the city noise. Visitors can spend the day basking on the green grass, playing table tennis, sunbathing on a pontoon near the pool, visiting the museum, and having a delicious lunch in one of the many cafes.

Faberge Museum

Faberge Museum

This is a private museum in St. Petersburg, which is located in a 19th century palace. The collection is based on works by the famous Russian jeweler Carl Faberge. More than 4,000 pieces of art are stored in exquisite halls and galleries. There is everything here: from paintings, porcelain and items made of precious metals. The most valuable are the nine Easter eggs created for the last two Russian emperors. All of them are masterpieces of jewelry and the unsurpassed skill of Carl Faberge.

Divo Ostrov

Divo Ostrov

Divo Island is one of the best amusement parks in the country. This is one of the many places in the city where you can go as a couple, with a fun group or with children. The amusement park is located in the very center of St. Petersburg among the greenery of Krestovsky Island. On its territory there are 46 attractions for every taste. Extreme sports enthusiasts try their hand at the Catapult, Booster, Rocket and Big Russian Hill. Children's karting, a children's playground, the Chukh-Chuk train, and the Cheerful Spring are available for children. Be sure to take a ride on the Ferris wheel to enjoy a bird's eye view of the city.

Kazan Cathedral

Kazan Cathedral

This is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the city. It is dedicated to the miraculous icon of the Kazan Mother of God, which is considered one of the most revered in Russia. The laying of the first stone at the foundation of the cathedral was carried out in 1801 in the presence of Emperor Alexander I. The architect of the future landmark of St. Petersburg was the former serf A.N. Voronikhin. Beginning in 1812, the cathedral began to be perceived by contemporaries as the main monument to the military glory of the Russian people in the Patriotic War. The temple became a storage place for military trophies: French banners, keys to conquered cities of France, personal belongings of Napoleon's marshals. In 1813, Field Marshal M.I. was buried here. Kutuzov. With the advent of Soviet power, the Kazan Cathedral was turned into the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism. The return of the temple to believers took place only in 1991. The unusual architecture of the cathedral with a colonnade and an easily recognizable dome has become the hallmark of St. Petersburg.

Kunstkamera

Kunstkamera

A prerequisite for an exciting excursion around St. Petersburg is visiting museums. Fortunately, there are many of them in the city: for every taste and request. The Kunstkamera is one of the first museums in the city. Peter the Great had a hand in its foundation. The museum is best known for its collection of “freaks”: deformed mutant animals, conjoined twins, “Cyclops”, “mermaid children”. This part of the Kunstkamera should not be visited with small children, impressionable people and pregnant women. Many visitors find this particular exhibition interesting, although there are other equally unusual exhibits. For example, this is a collection of objects seized from the palace of the ruler of Benin.

Great Gatchina Palace

Great Gatchina Palace

Near St. Petersburg is located one of the most unusual palaces of the 18th century. This is the Great Gatchina Palace, which was built by order of Empress Catherine the Great for her favorite Count G.G. Orlova. Architect A. Rinaldi created a huge and at the same time quite modest facade with access to the parade ground. The palace amazingly combines the motifs of a medieval castle with elements of a classical royal residence. After the death of Count Orlov, the Empress bought the palace from his heirs and gave it to her son Paul I for use. Inside, visitors will find huge state rooms, including the throne room of Paul I, decorated with tapestries. The most impressive of all is the White Room with its stucco work, marble sculptures and original fireplace.

Loft Project Floors

Loft Project Floors

This is one of the new attractions in St. Petersburg. It appeared in 2007 on the territory of a former bakery. The industrial building was turned into a creative platform with a rich cultural program. On five floors there are workshops, designer clothing stores, conceptual cafes, recreation areas, a gallery, an exhibition space, and a hostel. During the summer months, the roof of the building is open to all visitors. From here you can enjoy a magical panorama of the city and the bustling Ligovsky Prospekt. Open-air concerts also take place here. For meetings with friends, the Anti-Cafe will be an ideal place, where you can not only eat, but also have fun playing board games.

Grand Model Russia

Grand Model Russia

Russia in all its splendor and grandeur - from grandiose industrial giants to golden domes - is demonstrated in an interactive miniature model. Special attention is paid here to St. Petersburg and its iconic places. As you walk along the miniature landscape, pay attention to the moving details. Some of them are configured to work automatically, while some can be controlled independently. Tiny trains ply through the countryside, planes take off and land over St. Petersburg, tractors slowly cultivate arable land, cars drive along mountain serpentine roads. The level of detail is amazing, from the homes with playgrounds to the clothes people wear.

Summer garden

Summer garden

Shady green gardens appeared on the map of St. Petersburg at the request of Peter I. Landscape designers designed the garden in the Dutch Baroque style, using geometric lines as the basis. The garden is decorated with numerous sculptures, pavilions, and fountains. The marble busts and statues that are now located in the Summer Garden are copies; all the originals are kept in the Mikhailovsky Castle. The summer garden was created as part of the royal residence, where the emperor could spend time in peace and quiet. In the 20th century, the garden was open to everyone, which immediately made this place popular among residents for a promenade.

St. Petersburg Cathedral Mosque

St. Petersburg Cathedral Mosque

This is another interesting attraction that you can visit in the city. The mosque was opened in 1913 and immediately became the largest in Russia. The height of the central dome is 39 meters, it is clearly visible from anywhere on the Petrograd side. Unlike the golden dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the dome of the Cathedral Mosque has a bright azure color with traditional oriental patterns. Two minarets rise above the dome, they scratch the sky at a height of 48 meters. The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 believers. Inside there is a division into male and female parts, which is a tribute to the traditional structure of mosques.

Naval St. Nicholas Cathedral (Kronstadt)

Naval St. Nicholas Cathedral (Kronstadt)

Near St. Petersburg on the island of Kotlin there is a large seaport, which was named Kronstadt. There is no regular water communication between Kronstadt and St. Petersburg; you can get there as part of a sea excursion or drive yourself by private car. Inspection of the Naval Cathedral is the main goal of all tourists arriving on the island. Built between 1903 and 1913 St. Nicholas Cathedral has unusual architecture. It is based on a mixture of two styles: neo-Byzantine and Romanesque with the interweaving of traditional Russian elements. The cathedral is dedicated to all sailors who died fulfilling their duty to their homeland. Behind the beautiful façade lies an equally impressive interior. There are tall columns on the marble floors, the walls are decorated with mosaics and decorated with stucco. Huge chandeliers sparkle under the cathedral ceiling, creating a lot of glare.

Alexander Nevsky Lavra

Alexander Nevsky Lavra

This is the most important spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church. The monastery was founded in 1710 by decree of Peter the Great. Its construction took place at the height of the Northern War, which Russia waged with Sweden. The place for construction was not chosen by chance; it was here in 1240 that Alexander Nevsky defeated the Swedes during the Battle of the Neva. The monastery occupied the territory between the Neva and the Black River, becoming not only the spiritual center of St. Petersburg, but also a powerful fortification. In 1797, the monastery received the status of a monastery for its significant contribution to the spiritual life of society. The central building of the monastery is the Trinity Cathedral. This is a single-domed temple, decorated with two bell towers. G. Fontana, G. Ugryumov, I. Akimov worked on its decoration. Of particular interest are the necropolises located on the territory of the monastery, as well as burials inside the cathedrals. Many prominent figures of Russia found their final rest here: M.V. Lomonosov, D.I. Fonvizin, K.I. Rossi, S.Yu. Witte, A.V. Suvorov.

Peter-Pavel's Fortress

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Hare Island
  • Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 10:00 to 19:00, Saturday – from 10:00 to 17:45, Sunday – from 11:00 to 19:00
  • Entrance to the fortress is free

The Peter and Paul Fortress is a unique structure; the history of St. Petersburg began with it. It was founded in 1703 by Emperor Peter I, who himself chose the location for the future fortress. In 1731, the Peter and Paul Cathedral became the tomb of the Romanov dynasty. In addition, until the 20th century, the fortress was a prison, which was visited by the Decembrists, Alexander Radishchev, Nikolai Chernyshevsky.

Next to the Peter and Paul Cathedral are the Trubetskoy Bastion prison, the Museum of Cosmonautics and Rocketry, and the Mint, which can also be visited. An interesting attraction in the center of St. Petersburg is the sculpture of a bunny, which is located to the left of Ioannovsky Bridge. According to legend, for good luck to visit you, you need to throw a coin on a pedestal.

Now the Peter and Paul Fortress is open. But due to the current epidemiological situation, the Grand Ducal Tomb is not open.

It is better to arrive at the Peter and Paul Fortress in the first half of the day to hear the cannon fire. She shoots every day at 12:00 o'clock. Every Saturday at 11:55 a.m. the guard of honor takes place in the Peter and Paul Fortress. This is a truly mesmerizing ceremony, which takes place to the musical accompaniment of an orchestra. You can see the formation of the honor guard until October 26. To get acquainted, you can take a tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress for children , the heart of the Russian Empire or the mysteries and contrasts of Peter and Paul Fortress .

Cruiser Aurora"

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Petrogradskaya embankment
  • Opening hours: from 11:00 to 18:00, days off: Monday and Tuesday
  • Ticket price: adult – 400 rubles, reduced price – 200 rubles, preschool children – free

The cruiser Aurora has a rich history. The ship was built in 1900 according to the design of K.M. Tokarevsky. "Aurora" took part in the Battle of Tsushima on May 14-15, 1905. Later, the ship took part in hostilities during the First World War and in the revolutionary events of 1917. During the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. The cruiser stood near the city of Oranienbaum and took many blows, as a result of which it was half-sunk. In 1944-1948. the ship was repaired and placed in “eternal berthing.”

In 1956, a branch of the Central Naval Museum opened on Aurora. By visiting this attraction in the center of St. Petersburg, you will see weapons from the early 20th century, documents and personal belongings of the ship’s crew, learn about the history of the Russian fleet, and the participation of the Aurora in various historical events. It is also worth noting that last year the ship celebrated its 120th anniversary. To get acquainted, you can take a sightseeing tour with a visit to the cruiser Aurora .

Article on the topic: Rivers and canals of St. Petersburg.

Peterhof

Thirty kilometers from the swampy swamps of the capital of the Russian Empire, Peter I, during his regular inspections of Kronstadt, admired the resting place, where he personally supervised the construction of fortifications. The location of the cape, from which the capital Kronstadt and the northern coast of the Gulf of Finland are visible, was so favorable that soon after the Tsar's summer residence, carpenters moved here - it was called Peterhof - Peter's Court.

Top architects and decorators such as Braunstein, Leblon, Micheletti, Felten and Delamotte designed the appearance of Peterhof. Engineers under the leadership of hydraulic engineer Vasily Tuvolkov and with the direct participation of Peter I designed a complex technical water supply system for fountains, historically unique and functioning almost without damage for almost three hundred years to this day.

The eternally restored center of the courtyard reached the zenith of its splendor during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, who founded this beautiful natural site on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. The halls of the palace and the main staircase were rebuilt according to the design of Bartolomeo Rastrelli, and the parks were restored in the traditions of French art of the 18th century.

During World War II, Peterhof was completely destroyed, and only since 1960 has it been largely restored using surviving drawings and numerous photographs.

More than 140 fountains decorate the Upper and Lower Peterhof Park, especially the large cascade in front of the palace has a solemn effect. Along with other fountains, the Broad Canal and a landing stage for guests coming from the sea, the recast and gilded sculptures of Samson and the Lion symbolize the invincible power and the new dawn of the Russian state. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of admiring the palace; it is especially beautiful at the hours when the sun shines through its huge windows, and in the evening, when the chandeliers are illuminated: the gilded carvings sparkle, the light plays on the solemn portraits.

Bronze Horseman

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Senate Square

The Bronze Horseman is a visiting card of St. Petersburg and another attraction in the city center. The monument is located on the spacious Senate Square. Here in 1825 the Decembrist uprising took place. The monument was created on the initiative of Catherine II. It is no coincidence that there is an inscription on the pedestal in Russian and Latin: “To PETER the First, Catherine, second summer 1782.”

A plaster model of the monument was made in 1778 according to the design of the French sculptor Etienne-Maurice Falconet. The monument was cast by Emelyan Khailov. Together with Etienne-Falconet, they selected the alloy. However, during casting, an unexpected situation occurred - the pipe through which bronze was poured burst. Fortunately, Emelyan Khailov found a way out of this situation: he wet his jacket with water, coated it with clay and closed the pipe. As a result, Emelyan Khailov managed to prevent the fire, but he received burns.

The grand opening of the monument took place on August 7, 1782. Catherine II was present at this event. She sailed along the Neva in a boat and then climbed onto the balcony of the Senate building. You can learn the history of the monument on the Tsar the Carpenter .

Summer garden

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Kutuzov embankment, 2
  • Opening hours: from 10:00 to 22:00, day off – Tuesday
  • the entrance is free

The Summer Garden is a wonderful place for a walk and another attraction of St. Petersburg in the city center. The garden has two entrances: one from the Neva embankment, and the other from the Moika. The summer garden was built under Peter I according to the design of the architect Ivan Ugryumov. It was in the Summer Garden that the first fountains in Russia appeared, for which a canal was dug. The summer garden also attracts attention with many sculptures made by masters of the Venetian school. The most famous are the busts of Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, the Polish king John Sobieski, the Roman emperor Trajan, and the statue of Cupid and Psyche. However, all these statues are copies; the originals are in the Mikhailovsky Castle.

In the middle of the 19th century, a monument to the fabulist Ivan Krylov was erected here. Pyotr Klodt depicted him sitting with a book in his hands. And on the pedestal there is a high-relief composition with animals - characters from Ivan Krylov’s fables. After a walk in the Summer Garden, you can visit the “Coffee House” with an elegant interior. Before the coronavirus pandemic, this cafe hosted jazz concerts. You could listen to them for free when ordering food or drinks. Popular excursions: ceremonial Petersburg with a visit to the Summer Garden , a quest tour for children in the Summer Garden , secrets of the Summer Garden .

Mariinskii Opera House

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Teatralnaya square, 1
  • Ticket price: 450-6000 rubles

The Mariinsky Theater is the oldest and famous opera and ballet theater in St. Petersburg. The building was built in 1859-1860s. designed by architect Albert Kavos. The theater was named in honor of the wife of Alexander II, Maria Alexandrovna.

The Mariinsky Theater building has an exquisite historical interior, and the auditorium is considered one of the most luxurious and beautiful in the world. A huge chandelier made of 23,000 crystal pendants and 230 light bulbs deserves special attention.

Now the Mariinsky Theater is open, and you can already visit this landmark of St. Petersburg in the city center. However, due to the current epidemiological situation, the number of seats in the auditorium was halved and the seating arrangement was staggered.

Alexandrinka, Bolshoi and Klodt's horses

Many consider the Alexandrinsky Theater in St. Petersburg and the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow to be similar. Similar columns, portico and quadriga under the control of Apollo on the pediment.

The quadriga for the Bolshoi Theater was created by the St. Petersburg sculptor Pyotr Klodt, the author of the famous “tamed horses” on the Anichkov Bridge. And this was not the only work of the great master from St. Petersburg for Moscow. Together with other sculptors, he later worked on high reliefs for the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Alexandrinsky Theater

  • Address: St. Petersburg, metro station “Gostiny Dvor”, Ostrovsky Square, 2
  • Ticket price: 300-5000 rubles

State Academic Drama Theater named after. A.S. Pushkin (Alexandrinsky Theater) is the oldest theater in Russia and another landmark of St. Petersburg. It was founded in 1756 by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. In 1832, the theater occupied a building designed by the architect Carlo Rossi. In addition, the theater was named “Alexandrinsky” in honor of the wife of Emperor Nicholas I, Alexandra Feodorovna. This place was visited by famous personalities: Pushkin, Lermontov, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Stolypin, Witte and many others. The theater's repertoire is large, it consists of more than two dozen performances, including “Marriage”, “The Inspector General”, “The Dream of a Funny Man”, “Uncle Vanya”, “The Seagull”.

Now the Alexandrinsky Theater has reopened. The theater has enhanced security measures, so it is better to arrive early. It is also worth noting that children under 12 years of age are not allowed to attend evening performances.

Stations

A trip to St. Petersburg on the Sapsan always seems a little phantasmagorical. You get on at the Leningradsky station in Moscow and four hours later you get off at the Moskovsky station in St. Petersburg. These names are confused, we remember that St. Petersburg was Leningrad not so long ago. The station buildings are also the same, which is not surprising, since they were built according to the same design by architect Konstantin Ton. Until you reach Vosstaniya Square, it’s as if you’re lost in space and time.

Two such different cities, but precisely at this station point they are so similar to each other that from the train you can’t tell where whose station is and which city you will now get through the wide doors.

Although if you look at Moscow and St. Petersburg a little more carefully, you will find much more in common and similar in the two capitals than these two twin stations.

Admiralty

  • Address: St. Petersburg, Admiralteysky proezd, 1

The Admiralty is the main shipyard of Peter the Great's times. In addition to its main function, the Admiralty also served as a fortress. It received its modern appearance at the beginning of the 19th century after reconstruction according to the design of Andreyan Zakharov.

The entrance to the Admiralty is closed, but it can be viewed from the side. The golden boat at the end of the spire immediately attracts attention. There is an assumption that this is the prototype of the first ship that entered the St. Petersburg port. According to another version, the prototype of the ship was the frigate "Eagle", which was built by order of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Tourists with children can take the Admiralty excursion for little ones .

Due to the current epidemiological situation, information about the operating hours of attractions may be inaccurate.

Vasilyevsky Island

From here the construction of the city began. Here, on a small island at the mouth of the Neva, many attractions await you: the Menshikov Palace, the Troekurov House (a typical example of an 18th-century building), St. Andrew's Cathedral and Egyptian sphinxes made of pink granite on the embankment. To see all these sights of St. Petersburg, it is best to rent a hotel on Vasilievsky Island https://viahotel.ru/hotels/district/vasilievskiy-ostrov. You can get to the island through the Blagoveshchensky or Palace Bridge, from where incredible views of the city open up at night.

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