Saint Petersburg, with its grand palaces, majestic canals, and breathtaking architecture, is known for its above-ground beauty. However, beneath the surface of this imperial city lies a fascinating world of catacombs, tunnels, and subterranean spaces that offer a completely different perspective on the city’s history. These hidden underworlds, often overlooked by tourists, have played key roles in the city’s development, from early construction techniques to more recent uses during wartime. For those curious about uncovering the city’s secrets, exploring Saint Petersburg’s underground world is an unforgettable adventure. Here’s a guide on how to navigate the catacombs and tunnels beneath this enigmatic city.
The Fascinating History of Saint Petersburg’s Underground
Saint Petersburg’s underground world is rich in history and mystery. Over the centuries, a network of tunnels, catacombs, and underground spaces have been built for a variety of purposes. These subterranean spaces are not only a testament to the city’s architectural and engineering ingenuity but also hold the secrets of some of the most dramatic events in Russian history.
- Construction of the City: Saint Petersburg was founded on marshland, and its construction required the building of complex foundations. Early engineers and architects created tunnels for drainage and water management, which are still part of the underground infrastructure today.
- Political Intrigue and Revolution: During the Russian Empire and Soviet era, tunnels and catacombs were sometimes used for covert activities, including political escapes and resistance movements. Some even served as hiding places for revolutionaries.
- World War II: During the Siege of Leningrad (as Saint Petersburg was called during the Soviet era), underground shelters and tunnels played a crucial role in survival, providing shelter from bombings and a means of transportation across the city during the harsh winter months.
- Tourism and Modern Exploration: In modern times, interest in these underground spaces has grown. Some tunnels and catacombs are now accessible to the public through guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into Saint Petersburg’s hidden history.
Key Underground Locations to Explore
1. The Catacombs of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral
Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, one of the most famous landmarks in Saint Petersburg, has a fascinating underground network. The catacombs beneath the cathedral contain the graves of important individuals, including members of the Russian aristocracy. The catacombs are not regularly open to the public, but they can be visited as part of special tours.
Highlights:
- Historical Significance: The catacombs are home to the remains of notable figures from the Russian Empire, offering a somber yet fascinating look at the city’s imperial history.
- Architectural Beauty: The underground spaces are as architecturally interesting as the cathedral itself, with intricate stonework and unique burial practices that reveal much about Russian traditions.
2. The Vyborg Catacombs
Located beneath the Vyborg district of Saint Petersburg, these catacombs date back to the 18th century. They were originally constructed to support the city’s water management system, but over time they have taken on more sinister roles, such as serving as hiding spots for revolutionary figures and as shelters during wartime.
Highlights:
- Hidden Depths: The catacombs stretch deep beneath the city, and while many areas are off-limits, some parts are open for exploration during guided tours.
- Historical Artifacts: The catacombs contain remnants from the past, including old tools and equipment used during the construction and maintenance of the underground spaces.
3. The Tunnels of the Peter and Paul Fortress
The Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the oldest structures in Saint Petersburg and also has a fascinating underground network. The tunnels beneath the fortress were originally used for defense purposes, but they have also played a role in the prison system, as the fortress was used to house political prisoners throughout history.
Highlights:
- Underground Fortifications: Explore the tunnels that were once used to protect the fortress from invaders and discover how the underground system contributed to the fortress’s strategic importance.
- Prison History: Some of the tunnels were used to house prisoners, and walking through these spaces offers a chilling connection to the harsh conditions of the past.
4. The Metro Tunnels
Saint Petersburg’s metro system is one of the deepest in the world, with some stations located 50 meters underground. While the metro itself is a functional and bustling part of the city’s infrastructure, there are also hidden corners of the tunnels that tell stories of the city’s development and resilience.
Highlights:
- Historical Stations: Some of the metro stations are architectural marvels, designed in Soviet-era grandeur with mosaic tiles, marble, and grandiose sculptures that make them as much art galleries as transit hubs.
- Secret Bunkers: During the Cold War, parts of the metro system were designed to function as shelters in the event of a nuclear attack. Some of these underground bunkers remain hidden, and exploring them gives a glimpse into the city’s wartime readiness.
5. The Krasny Island Tunnels
Located on Krasny Island, these tunnels are some of the most mysterious and least explored in Saint Petersburg. Built during the 19th century, they were part of a secret system of underground passageways used for military purposes. Today, the tunnels are not accessible to the public, but there are rare opportunities for guided tours, providing a fascinating exploration of Saint Petersburg’s military past.
Highlights:
- Military Significance: The tunnels were used for transporting supplies and personnel during times of conflict, and they represent an important chapter in the city’s strategic defenses.
- Mysterious Atmosphere: The relatively untouched state of the tunnels adds to their mystery and allure, making them a favorite among urban explorers and historians alike.
How to Explore Saint Petersburg’s Underground World
1. Join a Guided Underground Tour
While many of Saint Petersburg’s catacombs and tunnels are not open to the public, several tour companies offer guided underground walking tours that give access to some of the city’s most fascinating subterranean spaces. These tours typically cover historical locations, including catacombs, bunkers, and tunnels that played crucial roles in Saint Petersburg’s history.
Guided tours provide a safe and informative way to explore underground Saint Petersburg, offering insight into the city’s historical, architectural, and military heritage. Most tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who are well-versed in the city’s past and will provide fascinating anecdotes and details as you explore.
2. Urban Exploration
For those who are more adventurous and have a passion for discovering hidden places, urban exploration (also known as “urbex”) is a popular way to explore the underground world of Saint Petersburg. However, it is important to note that urban exploration can be risky, and many underground spaces are not legally accessible. It is advisable to join an organized urbex tour or seek permission before venturing into these areas. Safety should always be a priority.
3. Safety and Legal Considerations
Many of the tunnels and catacombs in Saint Petersburg are not open to the public, and unauthorized exploration can be dangerous. Always make sure you are following legal and safety guidelines when exploring underground spaces. Guided tours are the safest and most reliable option for discovering Saint Petersburg’s hidden subterranean world.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s underground world offers an exciting and mysterious side to the city, with catacombs, tunnels, and bunkers that hold secrets from its imperial, revolutionary, and wartime past. Exploring these underground spaces gives visitors a deeper understanding of the city’s history, architecture, and resilience. Whether you choose a guided tour or are part of the adventurous urban exploration community, Saint Petersburg’s catacombs and tunnels offer an unforgettable experience for those willing to delve beneath the surface.
