St. Petersburg, Russia's Window To The West
Russia's Second Largest City and Former Imperial Capital
Nov 29, 2008
Built by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg in northern Russia represents the finest in Russian history, architecture, art, and music. St. Petersburg is the type of city that can only be experienced in several days. Best seen in the warmer months, St. Petersburg can easily be explored on an extended walk along the Neva River, down the Nevsky Prospekt, or through one of the many small cruise ships that navigate the canals and rivers.
A City of Palaces and Museums
One of the greatest repositories of art in the world, the Hermitage began as a palace built by the architect Francesco Rastrelli for Empress Elizabeth. Although western European art collecting began with Peter the Great, it was another ruler, also drawing inspiration from the west, who began the vast collection of priceless paintings and sculptures. Catherine the Great, who ascended the throne in 1762, not only filled the Winter Palaces with some of Europe’s finest collections, but built the additions that today comprise the Hermitage Museum.
The Naval Museum traces the roots of Russian maritime tradition to Peter the Great, father of the Russian Navy. For exhibits highlighting Russian history and culture, the Russian Museum provides in depth exhibits, art work, and ornamentation. St. Petersburg has a wide selection of palaces to visit, although some, like the Yusupov Palace, are open only by appointment or group reservations.
Landmarks and Cathedrals
Once the tallest point in the city, the cathedral, within the confines of the Peter and Paul Fortress, contains the tombs of most of the Romanov family, including Nicholas II and Alexandra. Perhaps the most important tomb is that of Peter the Great, located in the far right corner of the church and still memorialized daily with flowers.
The Fortress was the first structure built by Peter the Great during his struggles against the Swedes and Charles XII. In 1717 parts of the fortress were converted into prison cells that housed some of Russia’s most famous dissidents including Dostoevsky, Lenin’s brother, and Maxim Gorky. These cells are open to the public. Not far from the Fortress sits the Cruiser Aurora, recently refurbished. Shots from this old warship signaled the start of the 1917 October Revolution.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral, with its spire covered in gold, boasts a highly ornate interior that includes columns made of lapis lazuli. It stands near the iconic Admiralty spire and is within walking distance of the Kazan Cathedral, built during the reign of Emperor Paul. The façade of the Kazan Cathedral was designed to replicate elements of St. Peter’s basilica in Rome. Sadly, it is in disrepair and although designated a museum, is used as an active church by the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Church of the Resurrection or, as guides refer to it: the Church of the Spilled Blood, is only a few blocks off Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main shopping and business street. The church, modeled after St. Basil’s in Moscow, commemorates the assassination of Tsar Alexander II who was fatally wounded at the spot by revolutionaries in 1881.
Other Important City Sites
Adjacent to the Nevsky Monastery sits a cemetery wherein rest the giants of Russian literature and music, including Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and Dostoevsky. Founded by Peter the Great, the monastery honors Alexander Nevsky, patron saint of the city. The monastery is at the far end of the Nevsky Prospekt. Other noteworthy sites include the Opera and Smolny Cathedral.
Beyond the city lies the “Little Village of the Tsars” with magnificent palaces and gardens. Visitors must factor in one or two days to fully explore the three primary palaces located here. A city of history and culture, St. Petersburg represents an eclectic mix of Russian and European.
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