Welcome
to
st. petersburg, russia
After sailing north from Tallinn, we docked in St. Petersburg, Russia for a two-day stay. On the first day, we flew to Moscow and visited The Kremlin and Red Square. On the second day we got a glimpse of St. Petersburg (formerly known as Leningrad). This city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. It is sometimes referred to as the "Venice of the North." Here are some famous landmarks.
The Bronze Horseman - monument to Peter the Great
The Hemitage Museum - Russia's largest art gallery
main building is the Winter Palace - once a residence of the Czars
Palace Square - Winter Palace and the Alexander Column
Alexander Column (left), named for Emperor Alexander I, is a monument to the Russian military victory in the war with Napoleon's France. The Admiralty (right), once naval headquarters of Russia, now serves as a naval college.
Triumphal Arch of General Staff Building
first monument to war against Napoleon
Victory Square - monument to defense of Leningrad during 900-day siege (WWII)
Mikhailovsky (St. Michael's) Castle - main building of Russian Museum
The Peter and Paul fortress
(the oldest structure in St. Petersburg)
The Peter and Paul Cathedral stands in the middle of the fortress
(all the Russian Emperors and Empresses from Peter the Great to Alexander III are buried in this church)
St. Isaac's Cathedral
Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood
(aka Resurrection of Christ Church)
built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated
The main part of our tour in St. Petersburg was a visit to Peterhof, a luxurious estate built by Peter the Great. Often referred to as "The Russian Versailles", it consists of the Grand Palace, the Upper Gardens, the Lower Park and the Grand Cascade - one of the largest fountain ensembles in the world. Here's some photos.
the gates at the entrance to Peterhof castle
view of the castle and its golden cupola
a musical greeting at the castle entrance
Russian capitalism - "you pay, we'll play"
the gardens and fountains of Peterhof
(gravity-driven fountains were designed by Peter the Great in 1721)
now let's take a tour inside the castle ...
the royal treatment at Peterhof
Click here to continue on to Moscow. If you are tired of cruising, click on the button below to return to the Home Page and visit another part of the web site. As always, your comments are welcome. You may send email below.
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