St. Petersburg

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Sites of St. Petersburg, Russia

A June 1996 trip to St. Petersburg by AnaMH

Winter PalaceMore Photos

A look at the "Europeon" city founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Peter the Great built this city as a "Window to the West". The city is called the Venice of the North for its palace-lined waterways. Sights include the State Hermitage Museum, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Nevsky prospekt.

  • 7 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 7 photos

Sites of St. Petersburg, RussiaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Summer Palace
A visit to the Hermitage is a requirement. This is truly one of the world's great art museums. There are over 2.8 million items displayed within it's many halls. The museum is housed within the Winter Palace. The Winter Palace built in 1754-1762 is an excellent example of Russian Baroque. The square in front of the Winter Palace is where the revolution began in 1917.
The Summer Palace is in a corner of the Summer Garden. The gardens are in an English style. The palace is a modest building but both are a sight to see. A boat ride up the Grand Waterway is a thrill.

Quick Tips:

At the Hermitage, the most popular exhibits are the State rooms and the Special Collection so be prepared to wait a bit. The third floor has a wealth of art covering modern European of the 19th & 20th century. Explore the areas around the Winter Palace and try to take a boat tour on the Neva River.

Best Way To Get Around:

I chose to hire a guide for our visit to the city. There are taxis and public transportation but not the easiest to manage. Driving isn't recommened.
If you are going outside the city, the Russian buses are open to all traveler's and are a great way to travel, plus meet the Russian people. The train system is good and extensive.

PribaltiskayaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

The Pribaltiskaya is one Russia largest hotels. It is also one of the top hotels used for tourist accomadations in the city. There are 4 restaurants and several bar with snacks available in them. The hotel overlooks the Gulf of Finland. Our room was large and overlooked the Gulf. There is a sovenior shop, bowling alley, swimming pool and saunas.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AnaMH on November 18, 2000

Pribaltiskaya
17 Korablestroitelei Street St. Petersburg, Russia
+7 (812) 740 3979

The Hermitage (Winter Palace)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Hermitage is one of the best art museums in the world. It resides in four buildings including the Winter Palace. The gift shop is wonderful. The museum is vast and have a very diversified collection. The Italian art collection has works by Michelangelo, Raphael (my fav!), Botticelli and plenty of other artist. The Dutch and Flemish collection has the largest collection of Rembrandt outside of the Netherlands. The most popular section of the museum is the third floor, which houses modern European art from the 19th and 20th centuries. All the major artist of this time are represented including Renior, Van Gogh, Monet and Delaroix.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AnaMH on November 18, 2000

The Hermitage (Winter Palace)
Palace Embankment, on the Neva St. Petersburg, Russia

Peter and Paul FortressBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The fortress was built in 1703 as a fortress against attack from the Swedes by orders of Peter the Great. It's history as a prison is what makes it interesting with prisoners such as Gorky and Trotsky. The Peter and Paul Cathedral is the oldest stone building in the town. The Cathedral is the burial place of all Russian emperors and empresses including Peter I.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AnaMH on November 18, 2000

Peter and Paul Fortress
Zayachil Ostrov (Hare Island) Metro: Gorkovskaya St. Petersburg, Russia

Palace Square SightsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Palace Square"

General Staff Bulding
The Palace square is the grandest square in the city and home to many historic events including Bloody Sunday (1905) and the Bolshevik Revolution (1917).The first thing you will notice is the Alexandre Column. The column was designed by the French-born architect Auguste de Montferrand, the column commemorates Russian victory over Napoleon.

The facade is a semi-circle of the General Staff and Ministries buildings. The General Staff building was designed by K. Rossi and built from 1819-1829.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AnaMH on November 18, 2000

Palace Square Sights
Palace Square St. Petersburg, Russia

St Isaac's CathedralBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "St. Issac's Cathedral"

St Isaac's Cathedral
This magnificent Cathedral sits on St. Isaac's square and can be seen from a far. It was built in 1818-1858 to honor Peter the Great's patron saint. It was once one of the main churches in Russia. It is currently a museum with services held only on important events. The Cathedral's facade has a huge gold-leaf dome, sculptures and granite columns. The inside of the Cathedral is stunning. The columns are decorated with lapis and malachite. The many icons and columns make this a very visually pleasing place.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by AnaMH on November 18, 2000

St Isaac's Cathedral
Isaakievskaya Ploshchad 1 St. Petersburg, Russia

Smolny Convent & CathderalBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Smolny Convent & Cathderal"

Smolny Convent
The Smolny was built as a convent for Peter the Great's daughter, Elizabeth. It was never used as a convent because she died before it was finished. The Smolny Cathedral was designed by Rastrelli in a blue-and-white baroque style. The inside is of layer style since it was put on on when Elizabeth died due to lack of funds. Rastrell did not complete the inside. The convent's current use is as a concert hall.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by AnaMH on November 18, 2000

Smolny Convent & Cathderal
St Petersburg St. Petersburg, Russia

TipsBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

I went many years ago and some things have gotten better but others have gotten worse. Here are a few tips.
Visas: All visitors require a visa
Street crime against foreigners is a problem in the city. As in all big cities, visitors should be neither too paranoid nor too careless.
US dollars cash are easiest to change and you're chances of changing travellers cheques are slim to non-existent. Getting a cash advance on your credit card is easy in Russia's big cities, but it will be difficult elsewhere.
July and August are the warmest months and the main holiday season. Warning- it may rain one day in three during this period.

About the Writer

AnaMH
AnaMH
South Florida, Florida

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