The Mysterious Land of Russia: St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is easily one of the worlds most beautiful cities. Rivers and channels flow throughout the city. Its no wonder it is often refered to as the "Northern Venice." This historic Russian city offers so much to do and see.

There are many things to do in St. Petersburg and so much history to learn!

Quick Tips:

Give yourself enough time to see all that you want. When I was there I was very pressed and rushed for time. I had no idea how many things there are to see here.

Don't forget you need a VISA to enter Russia!! This is very important!

If time permits, hop on a river boat for a short ride up and down the Neva. You will get a whole different perspective of this city by floating up and down the river. I would suggest doing this just before sunset. By the time the ride is over, the sun will be down but the sky will be absolutly gorgeous!

Best Way To Get Around:

Though not as well known as the Moscow Metro, the St. Petersburg Metro was a great form of transportation. Once you are in the main center of the town it is easy to simply walk to each destination. Many spots are within walking distance of each other. It is the best option especially if you are comfortable walking the streets of Russia.

Built between 1801-1811, the Kazan Cathedral became a monument for the Russian Victory over Napoleans Army in the War of 1812. Many trophies, banners and keys from captured fortresses from the Nepolianic Campaign were housed here. This horseshoe shaped building is supported by 144 columns.

Burried inside the Cathedral is Field Marshall Mikhail Kutuzov. It is said he is buried in the exact spot in which he prayed just before leaving for battle. As with all Russian Cathedrals, the interior is even more breathtaking than the outer appearance. If you wish, step inside and have a look around. Simply, be courteous. When I was there, there was a choir singing and candles were being lit in the memory of loved ones. If it is possible, women should cover their heads with a shawl. However, if you do not have one, do not worry. You can still enter, usually no one will say anything to you about it.

Outside the cathedral are monuments of the army commanders M. Kutuzov and M. Barclay de Tolly, who led the Russian troops. Also there is a fountain, green grass and a lot of benches. It is a nice place to regain some energy before continuing on your way. You will notice arcoss the steet is Griboyedov Canal and you can see "Our Saviour-on-the-Spilt-Blood" Cathedral.

Senate Square,also known as Decembrist Square, sits along the embankment of the Neva River. Its name Decembrist Square comes from the ill-fated Decembrists' uprising that occured in this actual spot in December of 1825. Located here are the Bronze Horseman and the former Senate and Synod buildings. Across from these stands the admiralty which was one of St. Petersburg's first buildings.

The focus and the center of the square is where one of the most symbolic monuments in St. Petersburg stands. The Bronze Horseman stands tall looking out towards the Neva River. It was a tribute to Peter the Great from Catharine the Great. You will notice on the side of the statue you see both their names.

I actually came to this spot several times. The final time I viewed it there was a wedding party drinking champagne and taking pictures around the monument. When they left, they simply left the bottles sitting along the area. Then I learned that what I was seeing was actually a tradition. Newly married couples come to this spot for photos and good times. "Cool", I got to see another Russian tradition practiced and not just simply read about. The might and grandeur Peter and his horse display is spectacular. When you come across this monument there will be no doubt in your mind, you are definitely in St. Petersburg.

The Admiralty served as thethe administrative headquarters of the Russian Navy. At the top of the large sprire is a boat that serves as a wind vane.

From the square you can easily see St.Isaac Cathedral. This Cathedral actually connects Decembrist Square and St. Isaac Square, which is located very close by.

Peter and Paul Fortress is the place in which most of St. Petersburg is centered. The Fortress was built originally to protect land from the Swedes. However, the Swedes were beaten before the fortress was completed.

There were so many things to do and see here! In the center of the fortress stands the SS Peter and Paul Cathedral. It is here that every Tzar from Peter the Great to Alexander III are buried except for Nicholas II. The interior of the Cathedral is absolutely amazing. One of the first you see when you walk in the front are the tombs of Peter the Great and Catherine I. Everything in this Cathedral resembles royalty in the highest form. As you move through the Cathedral you will approach something like a coin museum of some type.

Also in the fortress is a prison that you are able to tour. The prison is called Trubetskoi Bastion At one time it held some of the most dangerous political prisoners of Russia. These included, the Decembrists, Dostoevsky, Lenin's brother, and the writer Maxim Gorky. I actually stood in the cell that Lenin’s brother once spent his days. The prison is dark and gloomy. The cells contained nothing but a metal bed and table and a tiny window.

Among other things to see, is the statue of Peter the Great with a very tiny head. This statue was at one time the center of a huge controversy, because of the size of Peter's Head. I found that many Russians want to get pictures of them sitting in Peter the Great's Lap. So I figured, "When in Rome..." Also there is an area where you can walk along the top of the fortress. If you have time I would suggest doing it. You will get a great view of the city with the Neva River right below you. I grabbed some Russian Bliny (similar to pancakes) and ate at the top looking out at this great city.

The Church of the Resurrection of Christ, or more commonly known as Our-Saviour-on-the-Spilt-Blood Cathedral, was built on the very place that in 1881 Tsar, Alexander II was mortally wounded by a terrorist attack. This is the reason this beautiful cathedral is in such an unusual location.

Our-Saviour-on-the-Spilt-Blood Cathedral has many characteristics of a typical and traditional Russian Cathedral. It has golden domes, colored domes and crosses. If you look carefully you will notice many things simillar to that of Moscow's, St. Basils Cathedral. Apparently St. Basils Cathedral was used largely as a model for this cathedral. I was amazed at the elaborate and intrigate deatail on this building. Be sure to walk around all four sides of the Cathedral. All sides offer different works of art. And simply that is what this is, A fine work of art.

I found outside, many tour groups waiting to get inside the Cathedral. I believe several of the groups were from Italy. The wait was long and I did not have much time, so much to my disappointment, I was not able to view the interior. Though Moscow's St. Basil's Cathedral will always hold the first spot in my heart, the Cathedral of the Resurrection follows closely behind.