Begun in 1703, St Petersburg is a comparatively young city. Russia’s “Window to the West” was ordered by Tsar Peter the Great, originally as a defensive outpost against the Swedes. Until the end of World War I, St Petersburg was the imperial capital, reflecting the opulence of the imperial court. Visitors today can still hear the echoes of this past in the great cathedrals, palaces, and often hidden gems like the Yusopov Palace. New and recently renovated hotels compete with other great European cities and the city’s public transportation system provides convenient links to various essential sites.
“Must See” Destinations while in St Petersburg
The Winter Palace or Hermitage museum should figure prominently on any list of essentials while in St Petersburg. Begun by Empress Elizabeth and vastly expanded under Catherine the Great, the museum is a treasure trove of some of the best art ever produced, including works by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo. The museum has galleries devoted to oriental and primitive art, Russian culture, and Soviet era art. The Gallery of the War of 1812 is filled with paintings commemorating Russia’s victory over Napoleon yet the museum’s collection also includes items as diverse as the personal library of Voltaire.