Saint Petersburg between water and urban history

In Saint Petersburg’s historic center, the interplay of architecture and waterscapes shapes the city’s character. Its cityscape rises from the Neva estuary, where the river meets the Gulf of Finland. This relationship between the built city and water is also reflected in the historic network of canals, streets and embankments, which developed gradually from the reign of Peter the Great (1682–1725).

Nevsky Prospekt did not become the city’s main east–west axis until 1738. On a walk along the avenue, you will pass tall buildings that embody the spirit of Peter the Great’s city. On Vasilyevsky Island, the 6th and 7th Lines form a street that is partly designated for pedestrians. This lets you shape your city visits around different impressions: the buildings along Nevsky Prospekt or the island’s distinctive street layout.

Architecture from Petrine Baroque to Late Classicism

St Isaac’s Cathedral brings together several architectural features: it is an outstanding example of Late Classicism with Neo-Renaissance, Byzantine and eclectic elements. It is also Saint Petersburg’s largest Orthodox church. The Peter and Paul Cathedral offers a different perspective on the history of religious architecture: it is a monument of Petrine Baroque and is considered the city’s oldest church.

The Peter and Paul Fortress also offers insight into the city’s early history. Peter I founded it in 1703; it is a monument to fortification architecture from the 18th to the 20th century. The fortress grounds and its beach are open for free visits. Some of the underground passages can be visited; the entrance to a postern is in the Tsar’s Bastion. If you plan to visit these areas, check the practical visitor information in advance.

As part of a guided tour, visitors can climb the bell tower of the Peter and Paul Cathedral and enjoy panoramic views of Saint Petersburg from a height of 43 meters. The guided tour is the specific arrangement under which the climb is available. Before planning your visit, check the dates offered rather than assuming it is available at all times.

Another example of Petrine Baroque is the Menshikov Palace, considered Saint Petersburg’s first stone building. It was built for Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, a confidant of Peter I and the city’s first governor. The Hermitage Theatre, meanwhile, was built between 1783 and 1789: Giacomo Quarenghi constructed it on the orders of Catherine II, on the site of Peter I’s former Winter Palace. The two buildings connect the city’s history with different patrons and eras.

Choose museums and collections to suit your interests

The Russian Museum brings together an art collection and architectural history. Its collection comprises more than 450,000 works of Russian art from the 10th to the 21st century; the museum is considered the world’s largest museum of Russian art. The main retrospective is housed in the Mikhailovsky Palace and the Benois Wing. The architectural and artistic complex is located in the historic center and brings together significant monuments of palace architecture as well as garden and park design.

Those interested in the history of museums will find a different focus at the Kunstkamera. It is the successor to Russia’s first state public museum, founded by Peter I in 1714. The Anna Akhmatova Museum. Silver Age, by contrast, has its own thematic focus: it comprises nine exhibition halls titled “Tsarskoye Selo,” “Slepnyovo,” “The Stray Dog (Petersburg 1),” “N. Gumilyov’s Journey,” “Petersburg 2,” “Requiem,” “Komarovo,” “Poem Without a Hero” and “Memory Room.” It also has a lecture and concert hall.

The cruiser Aurora is also part of the city’s museum history: it became one of the first museum ships in Saint Petersburg. If you are considering a visit, check the latest visitor information separately.

History of the Summer Garden

The Summer Garden offers a glimpse into the courtly history of Saint Petersburg. In 1704, Peter I had a large garden laid out for himself, modeled on the well-known Western European parks of his time; he drew the first plan himself. A few years after it was created, the garden became the center of political and official life, as well as court ceremonies and celebrations. Its early role can therefore be distinguished from the museum collections and the city’s later architectural developments.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Peterhof, Metallostroy, Gorelovo, Kolpino, Pavlovsk, Sestroretsk, Olgino and Pushkin.

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