Saint Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, is a city steeped in history and architectural grandeur. The Old Town, also known as the historical center, is home to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, from stunning churches and palaces to stately squares and bridges. These historic sites tell the story of the city’s imperial past, its artistic and intellectual legacy, and its role as the gateway between Russia and Europe. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most important historical sites in Saint Petersburg’s Old Town, each offering a unique insight into the city’s fascinating past.
1. Palace Square
Palace Square is the heart of Saint Petersburg and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. This vast, open space has been the setting for many significant events in Russian history, from royal celebrations to revolutionary moments.
Historical Significance:
- Imperial Center: The square has been the center of Russian imperial power since the founding of Saint Petersburg. It was the site of grand processions, state visits, and public events held by the tsars.
- October Revolution: On October 25, 1917, the Bolshevik forces stormed the Winter Palace, which overlooks the square, marking the beginning of the October Revolution and the end of the Russian Empire.
- Architectural Landmark: The square is flanked by several important buildings, including the Winter Palace, the General Staff Building, and the Alexander Column, which commemorates Russia’s victory over Napoleon.
Must-See Features:
- The Alexander Column: Standing 47 meters tall, this granite monument is topped with a statue of the archangel Michael. It’s one of the tallest monuments in the world without a supporting base.
- Winter Palace: The Winter Palace, now part of the Hermitage Museum, is one of the most magnificent palaces in Russia, with its Baroque-style exterior and impressive interiors.
2. The Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum
The Winter Palace is not only a stunning architectural masterpiece but also one of the most important historical sites in Saint Petersburg. Originally the official residence of the Russian tsars, it is now part of the world-renowned Hermitage Museum.
Historical Significance:
- Residence of the Tsars: For over a century, the Winter Palace served as the residence of the Russian imperial family. It is here that Empress Elizabeth and Catherine the Great hosted foreign dignitaries and court events.
- The Hermitage Museum: The palace houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world, founded by Catherine the Great. The museum’s vast collection includes works by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and many other masters.
- Revolutionary Moment: The Winter Palace is famously linked to the Russian Revolution of 1917, when Bolshevik forces stormed the palace, signaling the collapse of the Russian Empire.
Must-See Features:
- The General Staff Building: Located opposite the Winter Palace, this neoclassical structure now houses part of the Hermitage Museum’s collection and provides a stunning architectural contrast.
- The State Rooms: The opulent interiors of the Winter Palace, including the State Rooms and the Jordan Staircase, offer a glimpse into the luxurious life of the tsars.
3. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
One of the most unique churches in Saint Petersburg, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is known for its colorful onion domes and its striking mosaic-covered walls.
Historical Significance:
- Memorial to Tsar Alexander II: The church was built on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. It was designed as a memorial to the tsar, who was known for his reforms but also for his controversial stance on certain issues.
- Architectural Style: The church is a prime example of the Russian Revival style, with influences from Byzantine and traditional Russian church designs. Its vibrant mosaics and intricate details make it one of the most visually stunning buildings in Saint Petersburg.
Must-See Features:
- Mosaics: The church’s interior is adorned with over 7,000 square meters of mosaics, depicting scenes from the life of Christ, the Last Judgment, and other religious themes.
- Onion Domes: The church’s colorful domes are one of its most iconic features, and the intricate detailing on the exterior makes it a striking sight in the city’s skyline.
4. St. Isaac’s Cathedral
St. Isaac’s Cathedral is one of the largest and most important churches in Russia. Its impressive dome dominates the skyline of Saint Petersburg, and the cathedral is an architectural masterpiece.
Historical Significance:
- Built by Emperor Nicholas I: Construction of St. Isaac’s Cathedral began in 1818 and was completed in 1858 during the reign of Tsar Nicholas I. It was intended to be the grandest church in the Russian Empire and to symbolize the power of the tsar.
- Function in Soviet Times: After the Russian Revolution, the cathedral was turned into a museum of atheism. Today, it serves as a museum and a functioning church, attracting both tourists and worshippers.
Must-See Features:
- The Golden Dome: The golden dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which rises to 101 meters, is one of the largest in the world. Visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
- The Interior: The cathedral’s interior is decorated with magnificent frescoes, mosaics, and marble columns. The use of over 43 types of marble adds to the cathedral’s grandeur.
5. Kazan Cathedral
Kazan Cathedral, located on Nevsky Prospekt, is one of the most beautiful and influential churches in Saint Petersburg. Its design is inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and it stands as a symbol of Russia’s Orthodox faith.
Historical Significance:
- Dedicated to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God: The cathedral was built to house the revered Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, which had been an important religious symbol for the Russian Empire.
- Napoleon’s Defeat: The cathedral was built to commemorate Russia’s victory over Napoleon in the 1812 War. The design of the cathedral was intended to symbolize Russia’s triumph and its Christian faith.
- Soviet Era: Like many religious institutions in Soviet Russia, Kazan Cathedral was repurposed for secular uses. It was used as a museum and a place for political exhibitions during the Soviet period but was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in the 1990s.
Must-See Features:
- The Colonnade: The cathedral’s grand colonnade, which extends around the building, is one of its most distinctive features. It is inspired by the one in St. Peter’s Basilica and creates an impressive visual effect.
- The Interior: Inside, visitors will find a lavishly decorated altar, frescoes, and icons that reflect the rich spiritual heritage of Russia.
6. The Peter and Paul Fortress
The Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the most important historical sites in Saint Petersburg. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, it is the birthplace of the city and houses the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial place of the Russian tsars.
Historical Significance:
- The Birthplace of Saint Petersburg: The fortress was established as a defensive structure during the early days of the city’s founding and has played an important role in its defense and development.
- Tsarist Burial Site: The Peter and Paul Cathedral within the fortress is the final resting place of many Russian emperors, including Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, and Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia.
Must-See Features:
- The Peter and Paul Cathedral: The cathedral, with its stunning golden spire, is the tallest building in Saint Petersburg’s historic center. It features beautiful Baroque architecture and houses the tombs of Russia’s imperial family.
- The Fortress Walls: The fortress’s imposing walls, cannons, and gates offer a fascinating glimpse into the military history of Russia.
7. The Admiralty
The Admiralty is one of the most recognizable buildings in Saint Petersburg, located near the Neva River. It was originally built as the headquarters for the Russian Navy and has since become one of the most important symbols of the city.
Historical Significance:
- Naval Legacy: The Admiralty served as the headquarters of the Russian Navy for many years and played a key role in Saint Petersburg’s maritime history.
- Architectural Symbol: The building’s elegant spire, topped with a golden weathercock, has become a defining feature of the city’s skyline.
Must-See Features:
- The Spire: The gold-tipped spire is an iconic feature of the Saint Petersburg skyline and symbolizes the maritime heritage of the city.
- The Interior: While the Admiralty building itself is not open to the public, visitors can still admire its neoclassical façade and its historical role in the development of Russia’s naval power.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s Old Town is a treasure trove of historical sites that tell the story of Russia’s imperial past, its revolutionary moments, and its spiritual and cultural heritage. From the grandeur of Palace Square and the Winter Palace to the serenity of the Peter and Paul Fortress, each site is an important piece of the city’s fascinating history. Whether you’re a history lover, an architecture enthusiast, or someone simply looking to explore the city’s deep cultural roots, Saint Petersburg’s historical sites offer a rich and immersive experience. A walk through the Old Town will take you back in time to the glory of imperial Russia, offering unforgettable glimpses of the past.
