St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city, was founded in 1703. Once known as “the city of three revolutions”, St. Petersburg has been the site of a number of important events in Russian history. Now known as one of the most beautiful cities in Russia, and in the world at large, St. Petersburg is considered the most cosmopolitan city in Russia. This stunning city is home to many fascinating historical sites, interesting cultural events, and any number of other exciting and captivating attractions. If you’re planning a trip to the city of St. Petersburg, here are a few of the sites that you won’t want to miss while you’re there.
- The Hermitage Museum. Also called The Winter Palace, this is a major tourist attraction and something that you won’t want to miss. This massive museum is home to over 3,000,000 works of art, not counting the building itself, which is a sight to see and explore in its own right. The Hermitage houses pieces of art from major artists like Rembrandt, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rubens and more. Visitors say that lines are long and buying tickets can be something of an ordeal, but you can take a shortcut by buying your tickets online in advance from the same price. If you have extra money to hire a tour guide, it’s suggested that you do; a guide can help you find the items you most want to see, as well as fill you in on the history of the building.
- Mariinsky Theater. The Mariinsky Theater is probably the most well-known theater in St. Petersburg. This is where you’ll want to go to take in an opera or ballet – a must while in Russia. The Mariinsky theater is known to be first-rate for both ballet and opera performances. You can buy tickets online, at the box office or at kiosks throughout the city.
- Peterhof Palace and Gardens. Built on the orders of Peter the Great, this series of palaces and gardens is a popular park, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll see the Lower Gardens, reminiscent of French formal gardens. The Lower Garden has many fountains, including one called “The Sun”, a disk with water jets running along the edge in a manner that represent the sun’s rays. You’ll also be able to explore the Grand Palace, which is decorated with works of art and fascinating historical objects.
St. Petersburg has more than enough to offer to keep any traveler busy for a long time. But if your time is limited, these sites should be high on your priority list. This city, the cultural capital of Russia, has much to teach travelers about the country as a whole.
