Top Historical Places in Saint Petersburg
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An ensemble of great architectural buildings, the state museum preserve contains the Catherine Palace, Alexander Palace and other exhibits. Surrounded by gorgeous gardens, visitors can witness epitomes of Russian and baroque style architecture built in a classic yet opulent style. The interiors of the palaces are decorated in the Art nouveau style and truly reflect the tastes of the glamorous t...Read more -
Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra
(185 Votes)
The monument roughly translates to Saint Alexander Nevsky Monastery. This monastery was constructed in order to serve as the final resting place of the remains of Alexander Nevsky. The purpose of the monastery was to commemorate the victory of Prince Alexander Nevsky over the Swedes. It was mistakenly considered at the time that the site of the monastery was on the actual site of the battle whe...Read more -
Cruiser Aurora
(167 Votes)
This valorous ship has been an integral part of the Russo-Japanese war and even the Bolshevik revolution; it has bravely fought for the honour of its country and the countrymen and has been pivotal in Russia’s navy strategies. The cruiser Aurora was built between 1897 and 1900 in St. Petersburg and joined Russia's Baltic fleet in 1903. The ship measures 126.8 meters (418 feet 5 inches) in...Read more -
This cathedral is the symbol of St.Petersburg’s naval victories. Absolutely gorgeous, the cathedral has five domes and small cupolas crowned with crosses, built in the baroque style of architecture. The most interesting fact of the cathedral is that it never shut down even during the Soviet Era when the country was officially atheist. The cathedral consists of two separate churches, the o...Read more -
The summer gardens are spread over an island between the Moika, Fontanka and the Swan Canal. The name of the garden is derived from the Summer Palace of Peter the Great. One of the only locations in Saint Petersburg that has design contributions directly from Czar Peter, this park also has a lot of contributions from foreign designers and artists. There are numerous sculptures and patterned par...Read more -
Tikhvin Cemetery
(337 Votes)
The Tikhvin Cemetery is a part of the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra. This quiet and pleasant cemetery is a great place for people to visit the graves of some of the most iconic and influential names in Russian history. The cemetery was established in 1823 and has attracted a lot of national and foreign tourists on a regular basis. Hence, people should certainly not miss this location when visiti...Read more -
Smolny Cathedral And Convent
(336 Votes)
The Smolny Convent is situated on the bank of the Neva River and goes by the name of Smolny Convent of the Resurrection among locals. After Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great was disallowed to take her place on the throne, the convent was constructed to accommodate her wish of becoming a nun. In 1741 however, Elizabeth did ascend to the throne as a result of the coup d'état stage...Read more -
The summer residence of the Tsars, The Grand Palace is a mind blowing reminder of the excesses of the soviet era. Magnanimous and blindingly opulent, the Peterhof State Museum Preserve is an ensemble of such brilliant buildings and parks that are immaculately maintained and truly fit for royals. The Peterhof is surrounded by ornately manicured gardens that have beautiful fountains dancing on th...Read more -
This literary museum is dedicated to the famous Russian poet Anna Akhmatova. One point of interest regarding this museum is that not only is the museum important and famous, so is the building in which it is situated. Housed within one wing of the famed eighteenth century Fountain House, the museum originally served as a place of residence for the poet who serves as the namesake of the museum. ...Read more -
Located at a distance of 45 kilometres from St Petersburg, Gatchina Palace is probably the most lived-in mansion amongst all the palaces in St Petersburg. Catherine the Great bought the village and grounds for Count Grigoriy Orlov who then appointed Antonio Rinaldi to design the palace. During the Revolution and Civil War, Gatchina was the site of two major events - the final fall of Kerensky's...Read more -
One of the most commanding and majestic examples of Gothic architecture in Saint Petersburg, the Chesma Cathedral truly is a one of a kind structure. The most interesting point about this imposing structure is the pink and white striped design that decorates the frontal façade of the cathedral. Founded in 1780 by Catherine the Great, this church is located in the Red Village. A candy can...Read more -
Kazan Cathedral
(517 Votes)
Kazan Cathedral or Kazanskiy Kafedralniy Sobor is a cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church located in Saint Petersburg. This amazing cathedral is a shining example of the Empire style of architecture. Construction of the cathedral started in 1801 and the structure was completed nearly ten years later. Dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, this church is one of the most beautiful in the world. Touri...Read more -
Yelagin Island
(44 Votes)
An oasis located close to the heartland, Yelagin Island is an excellent retreat from the city life. Named after Ivan Yelagin, the island has a Palace, a picturesque park dotted with several lakes and green landscapes. During autumn, the park transforms into a rustic coloured paradise as leaves change colours from healthy greens to mature reds and browns. The Park is great for a stroll or a picn...Read more -
The chirpy bird made famous in a Russian nursery rhyme is immortalized in bronze near the Summer Garden, on a parapet overlooking the embankment. This 11 centimetre statue of a siskin bird is perhaps the smallest statue in Russia but this has made no difference in its popularity. “Chizhik Pyzhik, where've you been? On Fontanka, drinking vodka." This popular folk song owes its origins to a...Read more -
Grand Choral Synagogue
(181 Votes)
The Grand Choral Synagogue of St. Petersburg is the second largest of its kind in the continent of Europe. Consecrated in 1893, the synagogue was completed in 1888 and has hence garnered international acclaim because of its lavish design. Built in a time of turmoil for the people of Jewish faith in Europe, this synagogue bears testimony to the changing times that were experienced in those perio...Read more