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Winter Palace
In a city filled with gorgeous palaces, this vast structure
is the grandest, with dazzling interiors and an opulent facade. Built to
house the Russian Tsars (and the place where the first assault of the
Bolshevik forces which toppled them took place), today the palace is
part of the Hermitage Museum, which holds one of the world's greatest
collections of art. |
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Summer Palace
More modest than
the winter palace (by Russian Tsarist standards), this was the home of
Peter the Great and is especially known for the surrounding Summer
Gardens, often considered the most romantic in the city. |
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Statues
The most famous statue in
the city is that of Peter The Great, a masterpiece which dominates the
Senate Square. Other famous statues and markers include the Alexander
Column in Palace Square, the Catherine II statue in Nevsky Prospekt and
the triumphal arches which commemorate the Russian victory over the
German forces. |
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St Isaac's Cathedral
The largest
church in the city and one of the largest domed structures in the world. |
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Church of The Saviour on Blood
Built on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated, this magnificent
church is in the Old Russian Style. |
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Peter & Paul Cathedral
Located in
the Peter and Paul Fortress and long considered a symbol of the city,
this church is particularly popular for containing the sepulchres of
Peter the Great and other Russian Emperors. |
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Catherine Palace
The summer
home of Catherine the Great and located in Tsarkoye Sele near to St
Petersburg, the original building was destroyed by vengeful German
troops during the failed siege of St Petersburg. After the war, it was
faithfully recreated. |
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Gatchina
About 45 km southwest of
St Petersburg, this is a gorgeous royal castle, known for its 600 lavish
rooms and vast park-like grounds surrounding the residence. |
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Peterhof
A grand estate near to
the city, the Grand Peterhof Palace and the magnificent fountain
cascades on the grounds were badly damaged during the German siege, but
were later restored.
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