Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
A trip to Russia would not be complete without a visit to St. Petersburg. The city, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, was once the capital of the country. Today, St. Petersburg has an abundance of history, culture and architecture for every traveler to enjoy.
What are some of the favorite destinations that every traveler should partake in while in St. Petersburg?
St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress and Cathedral. The best way to start a tour of St. Petersburg is to visit the place where the city was founded, the St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress and Cathedral. The fortress was the first building constructed in St. Petersburg. It occupies one of many islands located in the city and was used to protect the former capital from the threat of Swedish invasion.
A traveler touring the fortress should no doubt take the time to visit the cathedral. Completed in 1733, the cathedral along with its bell tower is the tallest building in St. Petersburg. The exterior is famous for its gilded spire atop the bell tower known as The Angel, the symbol of St. Petersburg. The inside of the cathedral, known for its baroque interior, is also the final resting place of many of Russias Tsars, from Peter the Great to Nicholas II.
The Hermitage Museum. No tour of St. Petersburg would be complete without a visit to the Hermitage Museum. The museum was founded in 1764 and was originally formed as a private art gallery for Catherine the Great. Today the Hermitage Museum has almost three million pieces of work located in several buildings.
A visitor to the museum will be able to tour the Winter Palace, the residence for many of Russias Tsars. On display, a traveler will be able to view an assortment of art from artists such as Raphael, Leonardo and Rembrandt as well as archaeological findings and sculptures.
While visiting the Hermitage Museum, a person may want to take the opportunity to visit the Alexander Column located in the middle of Palace Square. This impressive column was constructed out of a single piece of red granite and stands over 156 feet tall.
The Summer Palace of Peter the Great. A traveler who is interested in Russian history may also consider visiting the Summer Palace of Peter the Great. The palace was constructed between 1710 and 1712 for the famed Russian Tsar. Today the palace is home to a vast collection of Peter the Greats personal belongings. On display, a visitor will find various pieces of antique furniture and clothing.
The Yusupov Palace. A visitor to the Yusupov Palace will be in awe at its architecture and the various artifacts on display. The Yusupov Palace was built in the 1760s and was home to the wealthiest residents in St. Petersburg at that time. However, the Yusupov Palace is famous for being the site of the murder of Gregory Rasputin in 1916. Wax figures depicting the murder are also on display.
The Moscow Gate. A traveler who is going on a sight seeing tour of St. Petersburg should make it a priority to see the Moscow Gate. Construction on the arch, located on the Moskovsky Prospekt, was started in 1834 and symbolizes Russias 1829 victory in the war with Turkey.
The Narva Gate. The Narva Gate is another must see for a traveler sight seeing in St. Petersburg. This is another arch shaped monument built in 1827. However, the Narva Gate commemorates the victory in the 1812 through 1814 war against Napoleon.
Alexander Nevsky Monastery. A person visiting St. Petersburg will have to take time to visit the Alexander Nevsky Monastery. This is the oldest monastery in St. Petersburg and is also the final resting place of many of Russias elite, including the world renowned composer Tchaikovsky.
Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. The church was built primarily as a memorial for Emperor Alexander II who was assassinated on the site in March of 1881. Construction began in 1883 and was completed in 1907. The church reopened recently after twenty years of restoration and is the home to an astounding array of mosaic masterpieces.
Lower Swan Bridge. St. Petersburg is often referred to as the Venice of the North. The city is constructed over many islands all connected by canals and bridges. The construction on Lower Swan Bridge was completed in 1837 and is located between Letny Sad and Mars Field. The bridge spans the mouth of Swan Canal located near the center of St. Petersburg.
A trip to St. Petersburg is a delight for any traveler. The city is rich in culture and history, making it a remarkable vacation for anyone.
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