St. Petersburg, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, is a Russian port city the served as the imperial capital for two centuries.
St. Petersburg is a Russian port city in the Baltic Sea. It was the imperial capital for two centuries, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, the subject of the figurative “Bronze Horseman” statue of the city. It remains Russia’s cultural center, with venues such as the Mariinsky Theater hosting opera and ballet, and the Russian State Museum of Russian Art, from Orthodox paintings to Kandinsky paintings.
1. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
The most iconic sight of St. Petersburg is perhaps the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. But it looks like it can be deceiving. Unlike the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, the Church of the Savior is only 100 years old. It notes, however, the very point where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.
2. Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is not only one of the oldest (if not the oldest) museums in the world, it is also one of the best. Situated in the Winter Palace of Empress Catherine the Great and extending over 1,500 rooms. Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Van Gogh, as well as ancient Scythian gold and artwork from the dawn of time – this museum will literally take your breath away.
3. Saint Isaac’s Cathedral
St. Isaac’s Cathedral is an architectural wonder. It is not only the largest Orthodox basilica in the world but also the fourth largest cathedral in the world. Strictly speaking, it is no longer a proper church. As the Savior’s Cathedral in the Spilled Blood, it is now a museum. Only on the highest feast days are they held here. A small portion of the huge cathedral is dedicated to regular worship activity these days, though.
4. Mariinsky Theater
Production of Russian opera and ballet is well known worldwide. And of all the great operas in Russia, the Mariinsky Theater is the best. Make sure you book tickets for a show during your stay. The ancient interiors are beyond wonderful, as is the incredible skill of Russian ballet dancers.
5. Fabergé Museum
The Fabergé Museum opened in 2013. But despite that short history, the privately owned museum is already one of the highlights. Here you will see 9 of the fabled Imperial Easter Eggs and some 4.000 other exhibits from Farbergé and the golden age of jewelry. You will need to get tickets in advance.