Sunday, January 2, 2011

Top Places to See in St. Petersburg

Top Places to See in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is one beautiful city in Russia. It attracts several thousand tourists from all over the world all the year round. There are several places of interest in this city. The city is filled with palaces and cathedrals and you can always go on a boat trip along with your family and enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Some of the major places of interest are the Winter Palace (Hermitage), Peterhof, St. Isaac's Cathedral, and the Mariinsky Theatre.

The Winter Palace (Hermitage)

The Winter Palace was built between 1754 and 1762. This majestic palace was built for Empress Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Peter the Great. But Elizabeth couldn't enjoy the comforts of this palace as she died before it was completed. It was Catherine the Great and her successors who ultimately made full use of the sumptuous interiors of what should have been Elizabeth's home. Ever since the palace was built its interiors have been remodeled. Especially after the huge fire of 1837, which destroyed a major part of the building, the palace was reconstructed. Today you can visit this palace which stands on the banks of a river alongside four more buildings. It also houses the extensive collections of the Hermitage.


St. Isaac's Cathedral

If you visit St. Petersburg you will never miss the dome of the St. Isaac's Cathedral which dominates the skyline of this very beautiful Russian riverside city. The dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral dominates the skyline of St. Petersburg and its gilded cupola can be seen glistening from all over the city. You can climb up the 300 or so steps to the observation walkway at the base of the cathedral's dome and enjoy the breathtaking views over the city.

Peterhof

The Peterhof Palace was initially named Peterhof, which is Dutch or German for "Peter's Court". The Peterhof comprises a series of palaces and gardens, also known as "Russian Versailles", and is not just a single palace. The entire structure was laid out as per the directions of Peter the Great. The UNESCO recognizes the Peterhof as a World Heritage Site. The most prominent structure of the Peterhof is a sixteen-meter-high bluff which is laid at a distance of around hundred meters from the shore.

Mariinsky Theatre

The Mariinsky Theatre is a historic theatre where the opera, orchestra and ballet are organized regularly. It was inaugurated in 1860 and has been the most eminent music theatre of Russia.

Once in St. Petersburg you can go on a boat ride and checkout the shore and also the majestic skyline of the city.

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