CITY TOUR
CITY TOUR incl. PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS / ST ISAAC CATHEDRAL / CHURCH of OUR SAVIOUR ON SPILLED BLOOD
Duration: 3-4 hours
«The beauty and wonder of the northern lands»
(A. S. Pushkin)
Comparing to the ancient cities of Europe or Russia , ST-Petersburg, which celebrated its 300 anniversary in 2003, is really a youngster. But not too many cities in the world can compete with a number of historical places and architectural beauty of the former Russian capital. It is a real challenge to squeeze into 3-4 hour tour all the «must see» of ST-Petersburg. But from the very first minute you start feeling overwhelmed with the grandeur, taste and mystery of this place, full of great shades and memories.
The town was conceived and built according to the rational plan; its architects designed not simply buildings but whole ensembles among which are the world famous Palace, Arts, Senate and ST Isaac Squares. Though the city center is really a mixture of buildings constructed at different times, one can not escape the impression of the divine unity, harmony of stone and water.
There is an amazing Nevsky Prospect, the city busiest street, which runs for 4.5 km. Today you can find along it modern restaurants, movie theatres, and bank offices together with splendid palaces of the ex-Russian aristocracy, theatres and museums. It is also the major shopping area of the city.
You are offered a choice of visiting Peter and Paul Fortress with the Cathedral of the same name, from which the town of Peter started in 1703, hastily transformed into the capital of the vast Russian empire few years later. The cathedral became the burial place of the Russian emperors and members of the family from Peter the Great onwards. There is a magnificent wooden icon stand created in 1722-26.
You might prefer to climb the spiral staircase that will lead you to the top of the ST Isaac dome to enjoy a breath taking birds-eye view of the city. ST-Isaac Cathedral is a great work of the late period classical architecture. It used to be the principal place of worship in ST-Petersburg before the October Revolution of 1917. Having been built between 1818 and 1858, ST Isaac is one of the major achievements of Russian construction techniques of that time. The cathedral is richly decorated with sculptures, high relieves, oil paintings and mosaics.
The other option is to visit the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, a rare example of the traditional Russian church in ST-Petersburg. The church was built on the spot where the Russian emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.
The duration of a tour varies depending on the choices preferred. As an alternative to a city tour we recommend Rivers and Canals cruise (available during the navigation period only in mid May-mid September).
Additional Information:
- Peter and Paul Fortress (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral
- Savior on Spilled Blood
