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Saint Petersburg Travel Guide: 3,411 reviews and 7,105 photos
Conceived in the soul of a visionary emperor, St. Petersburg is Russia's adopted child. With its strict geometric lines and perfectly planned architecture, so unlike the Russian cities that came before it, St. Petersburg is almost too European to be Russian. And yet it is too Russian to be European. A powerful combination of both East and West, of things Russian and things European, St. Petersburg owes its existence to the will and passion of its founder, Czar Peter the Great, to guide a resistant Russia into the greater fold of Europe, and consequently into the mainstream of history.
It was here that Fabergé craftsmen created those priceless objects of beauty that have crowned the collections of royalty and millionaires ever since.
It was in 1703 that the grand, new capital of the budding Russian empire was built, its face to Europe, its back to reactionary Moscow. Unlike some cities, it was not created by a process of gradual, graceful development but was forcibly constructed, stone by stone, under the force and direction of Peter the Great, for whose patron saint the city is named. Just as that other great capital, Washington, D.C., rose from a swamp, so did Peter's New Town.
Incorporating more than 100 islands and crisscrossed by more than 60 rivers and canals, St. Petersburg can be -- and often is -- compared, except for its uniquely northern appeal, to that other great maritime city, Venice.
Today's St. Petersburg has both magnificence and misery. More than ever, busloads of tourists come to feast their eyes on renovated palaces and glittering churches -- and an increasing number of the native new rich are living the decadent lifestyle as only they know how. But make no mistake: St. Petersburg is a large city of 5 million inhabitants, which makes it as likely a place for petty crime as any other metropolis -- being a foreigner makes you an even more likely target. Whatever you've heard about crime and poverty in Russia has probably been exaggerated, but foreigners should still exercise caution if they wander too far off the beaten path.
Inspired by Versailles, the Summer Garden was another of Peter the Great's passions. When first laid out in 1704, it was given the regular, geometric style made famous by Louis XIV's gardener, Andre Le Nôtre, and decorated with statues and sculptures as well as with imported trees and plants. Grottoes, pavilions, ponds, fountains, and intricate walkways were placed throughout, and the grounds are bordered on all sides by rivers and canals. Today it is a popular park accessible to everyone, but you will have to imagine the first formal garden, for it is no longer there.
Just inside this southeastern corner is Peter's original Summer Palace, Letny Dvorets. Designed by Domenico Trezzini and completed in 1714, the two-story building is quite simple in design, as most of Peter's dwellings were. Two other attractive buildings nearby are the Coffee House (built by Rossi in 1826) and the Tea House (by L. I. Charlemagne in 1827), neither of which, alas, serves the beverage for which it is named. As you walk through the park, have a look at some of its statues, of which more than 80 still exist.
Reviews (10)
St Petershof the fountains
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(10)
The fountains at St Petershof is just fantastic with all the statues around and the layout of the whole place. I just... more travel advice
St Petershof - Ambasadorial Room
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(10)
This is the room where the visiting Ambassador's waited before they were presented to the Tzar. I hope they did not have... more travel advice
Petershof - the study
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(10)
This is the study inside the palace. It is such a wonderfull room, rich in furniture, makes you feel like writing a long... more travel advice
St Petershof
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(10)
PETERHOF - founded by Peter the Great in 1705 is considered as one of the greatest palaces in the world. Some books go... more travel advice
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Comments (8)
What a stunning page, I loved reading your tips about St Petershof, it was like walking there myself.
Jy is werklik gelukkig om so baie te kon reis en jou tips is fantasties om te lees. baie dankie
I feel you enjoyed my native city, Mariana! Yes, it's one of the most beautiful cities in the world... Great tips and pics. Thanks for sharing!
nice tips about the city attractions. i've been in the city 2 weeks ago. I hope you liked the city like I did :-)
I really liked your travel pgae about St Petersburg - nice full information, really enjoyable photos. I hope you felt in love this city. Want to see this Norhern Venice one day :) Greetings from Lithuania, Vilnius!
Love the "ag sommer"
Some great photos. Brings back many memories for me.
Nice review of lovely holiday