| Page Views: 11,960 Last Visit to Saint Petersburg: May, 2003 | St. Petersburg in Spring by Canadienne - last update: Oct 23, 2003 |
| The Hermitage (Winter Palace) |
Peter the Great modelled the city after European capitals and it has long been referred to as Russia's "Window on the West." In some ways, the similarities can be disconcerting ~ the canals, palaces, churches and museums are reminiscent of other cities I've visited. . .but the city isn't entirely welcoming to tourists (outside of groups at least). It takes an extra effort on the part of a visitor ~ in language, in planning, in legwork to obtain the requisite papers ~ to make a visit a success. That said, we put in our effort and were richly rewarded for it.
May is an ideal time to visit ~ you get the benefit of the longer hours of sun without the heavier crowds. . .and you can share in the residents' happiness in welcoming great weather. |
The memories I will treasure most: *Church services ~ the choirs, the chanting and the mesmerizing aroma of incense are unforgettable
*Sunlit walks along Nevsky and its neighbouring streets at 11 pm ~ coming out of a Canadian winter, it was heavenly
*Riding through the network of canals ~ a renewed look at the city's rich architecture
*The Church on Spilled Blood ~ the interior and exterior decoration defy description. . .you'll simply have to see it for yourself
*The Russian Museum ~ a wonderfully arranged introduction to masterful artists whose work tells the history of the country |
An additional point is needed ~ to go this far from home and not include Moscow in your itinerary would be a big mistake. Check out my Moscow page for a look at the fascinating "other" capital of Russia. |
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Canadienne's Saint Petersburg Travel Tips
 Comments for Canadienne about Saint Petersburg | | | | |
hunterV Sat May 23, 2009 14:28 UTC
Hi, Stevie! ~ Great pages here at VT! Thanks! | Donna_in_India Sun Mar 15, 2009 17:15 UTC
Hoping to get to St. Petersburg in the not-too-distant future. This church is stunning! Your pages are great. | trav4bus Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:02 UTC
A beautiful pic of ST.PTSBERG | 807Wheaton Fri May 19, 2006 14:25 UTC
Thanks for a good overview of St. Petersburg. I'm thinking of a visit while on a Scandanavian cruise and need to get oriented.! Greetings from Augusta, Georgia ~ Marcia |
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