Saint Petersburg Travel Guide 2022 - Best Places to Visit in Saint Petersburg Russia in 2022

Summary

St. Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital, is celebrated for its elegant architecture, including stately palaces and cathedrals. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, it boasts the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace, and the opulent Catherine Palace. The city's canals and rivers offer scenic cruises, while its museums house world-class art and historical artifacts. Landmarks like the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and St. Isaac's Cathedral showcase the city's rich history and architectural prowess.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Saint Petersburg is celebrated for its elegant architecture, including stately palaces and cathedrals, which are interspersed with the city's many canals and waterways.
• 🌍 As Russia's second largest city, Saint Petersburg is strategically located at the mouth of the Neva River on the banks of the Gulf of Finland.
• 🏛 Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Saint Petersburg served as the capital of the Russian Empire for two centuries.
• 🎭 The city has been a magnet for artists, composers, scientists, and writers, transforming it into a cultural powerhouse known for ballet, classical music, and theater.
• 🌆 Due to its extended summer days, Saint Petersburg is nicknamed the 'City of White Nights', making it a magical destination year-round.
• 🏰 The Peter and Paul Fortress, built in 1703, originally served as a defensive structure and later functioned as a prison and site of executions.
• 🏟️ Palace Square, the main city plaza, is marked by the Alexander Column and has been a site of significant historical events, including the 1917 Russian Revolution.
• 🏞️ The Peterhof Palace, often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles', is renowned for its opulent design, fountains, and statues, including the Grand Cascade.
• 🏝️ Vasilevskiy Island, just across the river from the city center, is home to several landmarks and museums, including the Russian Academy of Sciences.
• 🛍️ Nevsky Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Saint Petersburg, is lined with historic buildings, shopping arcades, and cultural institutions.
• 🏰 The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is a notable landmark, built on the site of Alexander II's assassination, known for its colorful and intricate interior.

Q & A

What is Saint Petersburg known for?

Saint Petersburg is known for its elegance, grandeur, and gorgeous architecture, including stately palaces and cathedrals. The city is renowned for its numerous canals and waterways, cultural heritage, and world-class ballet, classical music, and theater performances.

Where is Saint Petersburg located?

Saint Petersburg is located at the mouth of the Neva River on the banks of the Gulf of Finland in Russia. It is Russia's second-largest city after Moscow.

Who founded Saint Petersburg, and when?

Saint Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and served as the capital of the Russian Empire for centuries.

What was the original purpose of the Peter and Paul Fortress?

The original purpose of the Peter and Paul Fortress was to protect the state from outside invasions. Although it was never used in actual warfare, it later served as a prison and execution site during the Bolshevik Revolution.

What is significant about Palace Square in Saint Petersburg?

Palace Square is the main city plaza in Saint Petersburg, located in front of the Winter Palace. It is significant for its historical events, including the assassination of Tsar Alexander II and the start of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

Why is Peterhof Palace often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles'?

Peterhof Palace is often called the 'Russian Versailles' due to its opulent architecture, extensive gardens, and numerous fountains, reminiscent of the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles in France.

What can visitors find on Vasilevskiy Island?

Vasilevskiy Island is home to several landmarks, including the Museum of Electrical Transport, the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, the old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange, and the Baroque Menshikov Palace.

What is notable about Nevsky Avenue in Saint Petersburg?

Nevsky Avenue is a 4.5-kilometer-long main thoroughfare in Saint Petersburg, known for its opulent architecture, high-end stores, fine restaurants, luxury hotels, and significant historical landmarks such as the Stroganoff Palace and the Russian National Library.

Why is the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood named so?

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is named after the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, which took place at the site. It is renowned for its ornate and colorful architecture, similar to that of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.

What makes the canals of Saint Petersburg unique?

The canals of Saint Petersburg, initially built to prevent flooding, now serve as transit routes and popular sightseeing locations. The canal system stretches over 300 kilometers with numerous bridges, and visitors can enjoy boat tours to see the city’s landmarks from the water.

What is special about Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg?

Saint Isaac's Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world, featuring a massive gold-plated dome visible across the city. It has stunning interiors with elaborate reliefs, mosaics, and iconostasis, and functions as a museum while still hosting some religious services.