St. Petersburg in Russia is a stunning city with its imperious palaces, amazing museums, and amazing cathedrals. A tour of Europe is never complete without a visit to this grand city. The opulence and indulgence of the Russian Czars are visible in the city’s enviable architecture, intriguing lifestyle, and fascinating heritage. Recognized as the cultural epicenter of Russia, St. Petersburg was a dream creation of Peter the Great. Russia St. Petersburg on either side of River Neva is aptly referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’. Be it the White Nights of summer or the snowy romance of winter St. Petersburg is perennially alluring to tourists, scholars and historians. The Imperial Estates, Royal Gardens, captivating ballet theaters and the ever-awake Nevsky Prospect make St. Petersburg this country’s ‘window to the West’.

In the center of this historic city is the Palace Square with the Alexander Column exactly in its middle. This monolithic stone column built to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon’s army was erected in the first half of the 1830s. This red granite structure is surmounted by an angel figure holding a cross. The Admiralty, one of the earliest structures, was built under the guidance of master architect Adrian Zakharov from 1806 to 1823. This magnificent building served as the Naval Headquarters of Russia till 1917 after which it became a premier naval college. The Admiralty tower is distinguished by its golden spire.

St. Petersburg named after Peter the Great has a bronze statue of this famed Russian ruler built under order from Empress Catherine. Designed by French sculptor Etienne Maurice Falconet this statue is believed to protect the city from all likely enemy attacks. Peter the Great to protect his territory from likely Swedish attacks founded a fortress in Neva delta. Within the premises of this spectacular fortress you would find Peter and Paul Cathedral which carry the tombs of Russian empresses and emperors.

The Hermitage is perhaps the most impressive attraction of St. Petersburg. Situated on the banks of River Neva, this three storey marvel in green and white is an exemplary illustration of Baroque architecture. The Winter Palace is part of this Hermitage museum. A tour to this city remains incomplete without visiting the ‘Summer Palace and Summer Garden of Peter the Great’, ‘St. Isaac’s Cathedral’, ‘Mariinsky Palace’, ‘Peterhof’, and ‘Nevsky Prospect’.