St.Petersburg

A vista to the mélange of historical buildings replete with architectural exuberance, or the haunting magnificence of White Nights while strolling one of the 300 bridges - and lo! Presenting you the ‘Venice of the North’ or ‘the Paris of the East’ – St. Petersburg. Russia’s 2nd largest city demands a look as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Call it Petrograd or Leningrad, but you simply can’t run away from its czarist dynasty. Unearthed by Czar Peter, the Great it has an ambience, which is uniquely striking.

Bridges

With names as varied as the locations, places or the famous personalities, you just can’t avoid them. And, be ready to be greeted by lions, horses and even griffins. An eye for detail will make you realize that the Blue Bridge is the widest bridge in the world. This ensemble of cast iron spans across the Moika River. This quaint arched bridge is a reminder of the swampy past. Enjoy a White Night on the Liteyny Bridge and see the wonder it makes.

Hermitage Museum

With a packaging as resplendent as the Winter Palace, witness the rich and large collection of Western European art at this green and white three - storey palace. Founded by Catherine, The Great it houses 3 million works of Italian Renaissance and French Impressionist paintings. Be it Picasso or Matisse, the museum is a cornucopia of not only ‘framed work’ but also, of grandeur interiors. The baroque palace has the perfect look not to be missed. Soak in the arty feast in more than a visit, if you really have a thing for it. Also, you have the Hermitage theatre, which is very palatial. And, it houses the world –famous music of the Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Hope you are all ears for it.

Aurora

Take a blast from the past, as you explore the Museum Ship. A symbol of the 1917 October Revolution, the Aurora was a Russian Battleship. Now, it’s a closet full of memories of the achievements of the Navy.

Russian Museum

Nothing like preserving the soil’s relics, here in the Russian Museum all you will find is contemporary Russian art. Portraits of the Constructivist and post – Impressionist era by Malevich, Kandinsky and Chagall are a part of this place. Situated inside the Mikhailovsky Palace, do take in the view of the building’s backside. And, this yellow and white palace will definitely, mesmerize you.

Mariinsky Palace

Become a Day – Trip Designer, as you go on inspecting the period furniture over here. Just opposite St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Palace as of today houses the City Council. It boasted of an enormous greenhouse, where it was said that pineapples grew rather well.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral

The largest church in the city, a monolith inside out will give you an enchanting view as you climb up 43 metres. Where will you find a 100 kg of gold, polished over the gilded dome? A blend of mosaics, frescoes and bas - reliefs? Look no further, as St. Isaac’s Cathedral perfectly fits the bill.

Kazan Cathedral

The most peculiar observation made over here is the familiarity in design. Yes, and why not? Of course, the Kazan Cathedral is modeled after the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Give a break to your informative trip and get in touch with your spiritual - being.

Church of the Savior on blood

A rather morbid name, as the stained past. The Church of Resurrection must not be given a miss for anything. The gorgeous, ancient, native style church was the marked spot of Czar Alexander II’s assassination. Completely contrast to this gloomy remembrance is the brightly colored orange domes. Do visit it, if not for religious motives then for the plain starking difference.

Peter and Paul Fortress

What was once a political prison, home to Trotsky and others, has sprawled across as a fortress, cathedral and a burial place. The oldest building in town, it accommodates the Peter and Paul Cathedral. Its symbolic as a the burial place of all Russian Emperors and Empresses. It has the City History Museum and the Mint. Coin collectors can have a gala of a time.

Mariinsky Theatre

Famously known as the ‘Kirov Theatre of Opera and Ballet.’ This 1780 – seat’s posterity just adds to its glamour quotient. The theater has played host to some of Russia's greatest performers, including the dancers Nizhinsky, Pavlova and Nureev. During pre-revolutionary times the theater enjoyed royal patronage and has played host to some of Russia’s most celebrated classical performers; Fiodor Shaliapin sang there. The aquamarine walls hint at the city's naval ambitions, but everything else about the Mariinsky celebrates St. Petersburg's cultural heritage.

The Bronze Horseman

Who was the city’s famous rider? Have no clue.. Then just whiz past the equestrian statue of the Bronze Horseman. And yes, now you know it was Peter The Great. This flamboyant pose was the brainchild of his wife.

Peterhof Residence

An opulent country house, it was the grand Peter’s palace. A replica of the Versailles, that’s ‘Petrodvorets’ for one and all. While there, do saunter around the Grand Cascade and the Water Avenue. The dense forest, magnanimous chandeliers are the delight of his residence.

Gostiny Dvor Shopping Arcade

A convenience landmark, an out door market - the arcade houses everything from delicacy to aristocracy. A modern shopping mall, it’s awakens the shopaholic in you. After all, some retail therapy never harmed anyone.

Admiralty

Come to the classical Admiralty building, the construction site for some of the first ships of Russia's Baltic Fleet. It’s complete with white columns, stucco relief and a gleaming spire, which is the building's foundation, as a point visible from the city's chief avenues. Now a naval academy, and though it's closed to the public, its grounds are worth a wander.

Nevsky Prospekt

St. Petersburg's lively main street, lined with many of the city's most famous attractions and the hub of its commercial and business activities. Nevsky runs right through the heart of the city from the austere Alexander Nevsky Monastery to the Baroque splendors of the Winter Palace and the Hermitage. Nevsky Prospekt is also the city’s central shopping street and the hub of the city’s entertainment and nightlife. Evening is the ideal time to discover St. Petersburg's main thoroughfare. . The street's architectural precision can still be appreciated by streetlight.

Palace Square

Called the heart of St. Petersburg, enter the Triumphal Arch from Nevsky Prospekt. It is the lone witness of the troubled history lasting around 300 years. Beware of the crick in the neck as you gaze at the Alexander Column – the tallest in the world. Everyone’s imprint like the czars, imperial revelry, worker’s mutiny, riots et al are felt over here. Drop in at Palace Square and behold history unfolds.