The magnificent St. Petersburg – Russian Venice of the white nights

 Culture, splendour, grandiose architecture, imperial majesty and immense beauty harmoniously blended into one of the most magical cities of Russia – St. Petersburg! The city-giant, from which magnificence springs in every corner, the former capital founded by Peter the Great himself, North Venice of the white nights, or as the locals call it with love - just Peter. The city has been long known as one of the most important centers of art and culture around the world. It is no coincidence that here we will find one of the largest and most significant art museums – the one and only Hermitage founded by Catherine the Great. Certainly St. Petersburg is one of the places that man should visit at least once in his life! Maybe the bright sun is the only thing that is missing in this magical city.   

ARCHITECTURE AND SIGHTS

pixabay

The glory of Petersburg’s architecture is far from exaggerated. From the very first moment the tourist loses his mind by the impressiveness of the surrounding fairytale. Heavy, grand aristocratic architectural monuments with character – absolute masterpieces under the open sky! Palaces, museums, squares, bridges, fountains and every construction built with so much love and attention to the smallest detail. A large part of the city is included in the UNESCO's World Heritage Site. In the central area (the Old town) many architects from all over Europe have worked, including from France and Italy.

HERMITAGE MUSEUM

pixabay

pixabay

pixabay

Of course, when speaking of St. Petersburg, we should begin with the Hermitage Museum – the face of the city. It is one of the most significant architectural monuments and one of the most important centers of culture and art in the whole country. The word "hermitage" originates from the French word “hermitage” and means "a place of seclusion". Indeed, when a man comes inside, it is as if he loses connection with the whole world and remains all alone only accompanied by the grace of the surrounding art. It is one of the largest and oldest art and cultural-historical museums in the world, with which only the Metropolitan museum of art in New York, the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum can be compared. Here a man could simply spend years going through the Egyptian mummies, then passing by all the art works of Michelangelo and Da Vinci, all the way to Picasso. In fact, interesting studies show that a person would need exactly 11 years to see everything – If he devotes 1 minute to each exhibit, providing that he spends 8 hours a day in the museum.

The building is part of the complex of the Winter Palace and was originally created in 1764 as a private collection of Catherine the Great. The Queen was extremely famous for her love of the culture and ideals of the French Enlightenment. In her lifetime, Catherine acquired 4,000 paintings from the old masters, 38,000 books, 10,000 engraved gems, 10,000 drawings, 16,000 coins and medals and a natural history collection filling two galleries. Today, over 2,700,000 works of art from various historical eras and countries have been preserved, which magnificently recreate and represent the world cultural heritage of several millennia to this day. The museum is visited by nearly 4,000,000 people every year.

Church of the Savior on SPILLED Blood

pixabay

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the most captivating temples in the northern capital of Russia. Its name is not accidental. It was erected on the site where political nihilists fatally wounded Emperor Alexander II in March 1881. Rising proudly over the ancient silhouette of the city, the church immediately catches the eye of the tourists. It was designed by the talented Russian architect Alfred Parland in the spirit of the Russian style of the XVI-XVII century and is very distinct from the other buildings and temples in Peter, representatives of baroque, neoclassicism and modernism. The richness and beauty of the exterior have been achieved by the many decorative elements, rounded domes with beautiful colors, fantastic mosaics and golden crosses. But besides from the outside, the church manages to touch the visitors from the inside too. The impressive interior mosaics were created by one of the best Russian artists at the time – Mikhail Vrubel.

PALACE SQUARE

This is the central city square of St. Petersburg and of the former Russian Empire. Part of its architectural ensemble includes the Winter Palace, several churches, the General Staff Building, and the impressive column raised by Alexander II in honor of Russia's victory over Napoleon in 1812. It weighs 600 tones and has an angel with a cross on its top.

STROGANOV PALACE

pixabay

The Stroganov Palace is one of the most spectacular architectural monuments in the city. But except by its endless external beauty, you will surely be fascinated by the magnificent interior, remodeled by Andrei Voronikhin at the turn of the 19^th century. In 1988 the palace was given to the Russian Museum and became a branch housing some of its exhibitions, worthy to be seen. The main collection of paintings belonged to Alexander Stroganov and was later enlarged by Sergei Stroganov and Pavel Stroganov. The palace was built to Bartolomeo Rastrelli's designs for Baron Sergei Grigoriyevich Stroganov in 1753-1754. It is considered as one of perfections of the Russian Baroque.

Saint Isaac's Cathedral

Saint Isaac's Cathedral or Isaakievskiy Sobor is among the most impressive Orthodox temples both in St. Petersburg and Russia, and throughout the whole Christian world. Its outstanding dome is covered with 100 kg of gold and the frescoes and mosaics inside are so beautiful that you would like to closely see each detail.

St. Isaac is the largest church in St. Petersburg and the largest in Russia during the time of its construction. It was erected by Alexander I in honor of Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, a patron saint of Peter the Great, who had been born on the feast day of that saint. Designed by the French architect Auguste de Montferrand, it was built for 40 years. The dark shades of its neoclassical exterior contrast with most of the typically bright temples of Orthodoxy but remain extremely impressive. Not less charming is the interior itself, so do not miss to enter also inside.

The building is also famous for the fact that during the Second World War, the golden dome of the church was painted gray to avoid attracting the attention of enemy planes.

When you visit the church, do not forget to climb the 300 steps to the top. An unforgettable view of the beautiful St. Petersburg will be revealed to you.

MARIINSKY THEATRE

The Mariinsky Theater is among those places that one has always wanted to visit. A dream comes true! Legendary home of culture and art where many of the stage masterpieces of Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov received their premieres. It opened doors on October 2, 1860 with the opera "Life for the King" by Mikhail Glika. Since then it was named after the wife of Emperor Alexander II, Maria Alexandrovna. The building, a masterpiece itself, is work of Albert Cavos, who is also known for the design and restoration of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow in 1855. You will easily recognize the building by its delightful turquoise color and the impressive exterior. Wonderful golden plasters, green velvet, silver threads and slender marble sculptures amaze the contemplator with their grace and glamor. Inside the visitor will be astounded by another exciting magical tale – a stunning interior and a huge hall with five rows of balconies and 1,625 seats! Give yourself this gift and visit the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg – the feeling is incomparable...

CATHERINE PALACE

pixabay

The Catherine Palace is in the Pushkin town (Tsarskoye Selo), 25 km south of St. Petersburg. If you are on a trip in this part of Russia, it would be unforgivable to miss it!

The palace is an outstanding architectural ensemble reflecting several eras and influences sealed from the 2-century period of its full construction. That's what makes it a truly unique monument of history and culture!

Its construction began in 1717 as a gift from Peter the Great to his wife Catherine I. She hired the German architect Johann-Friedrich Braunstein to build a summer palace, named after her. At the very beginning the palace was small and modest with only two floors.

Later, however, when the daughter of Peter I and Catherine I – Elizabeth Petrovna ascended to the throne, things changed. She was known for spending huge amounts on the spectacular baroque projects of her favorite architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli. It is to her that the palace owes its present magnificence. She found her mother's residence outdated and incommodious, so she commissioned Mikhail Zemtsov and Andrei Kvasov to expand the Catherine Palace. However, in May 1752 a new reconstruction would be done. She decided to hire Bartolomeo Rastelli for a renewal. After the spectacular "repair", which lasted for 4 years, the modern palace in a flamboyant Rococo style appeared.

In the Palace is the legendary Amber Room – often referred to as the eighth miracle of the world!

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Apart from contemplating Russian grandeur, here one can dive even deeper into its wombs by simply becoming a part of it. How? During the summer months, in the Imperial capital there are many cultural festivals, interesting events, theater performances and more. There are also many attractions and fun activities that reveal an unknown part of the city’s beauty as an unforgettable boat trip along the Neva River!

BALLET AND OPERA

Make sure you will visit at least one show when you are in the city. You can simply not miss the magic of Russian ballet at the Mariinsky or Mihailov Theatre or the incredible musical triumph in the Opera while here!

WATER TOURISM

Immerse yourself in the Sankt Petersburg atmosphere to the fullest with an exciting boat tour on the Neva River. You can also hire (if you are with a bigger company) a boat or yacht yourself. Music lovers can take the so-called "jazz" steamer, which was first launched in the 1967 communist Leningrad. You will understand by yourselves why the city is called the North Venice.

TWILIGHT ROMANCE

Stay awake and stroll around St. Petersburg after midnight. You must definitely do that at least once while you are here. It won’t be dark – we promise you! Darkness has lost its power and the Petersburg’s streets are possessed by the magic of White Nights. The beauty of the city stands out even stronger at that time... Their peak is from mid of June to early July. Do not miss them!

During the White Nights, you can also watch how the impressive bridges over the Neva River lift. A stunning view! This happens so that the ships and boats can pass freely. A night walk with a boat is also not to be missed.

“STARS OF THE WHITE NIGHTS” FESTIVAL

Do not miss to visit this festival dedicated to the white nights! It is an extremely prestigious Opera and Ballet Music Festival, hosted by the Mariinsky Theater. It includes over 26 shows and concerts, featuring world-famous music and ballet stars from Russia and the rest of the world, taking place between May 26^th and July 24^th.

SCARLET SAILS CELEBRATION

The Scarlet Sails is the most massive and famous public event during the White Nights every summer. The tradition is highly popular for its spectacular fireworks, numerous music concerts and a massive water show. Its main purpose is to say goodbye to the graduates of the city. Part of the event is marked by the crossing of a red sail ship along the Neva River. The ship sails, as the sky above it shines with multicolored fireworks, and the banks of the river are scattered by millions of tourists, enjoying the holiday. Just during the longest white night at 00:40, everyone gathers around the Neva River to meet the Scarlet Sails. The air is filled with youth, love and hope.

Beautiful canals, majestic palaces, theater, ballet, opera, magic... The unimaginable and colourful St. Petersburg is every tourist’s dream. So, hurry up and make it come true with Tez Tour Bulgaria!