• Neighborhoods

NEVSKY PROSPEKT - The city's main thoroughfare is borne across a series of islands: Admi-ralteysky Island — from Admiralteysky Prospekt to the Moika River, Kazansky Island — from the Moika to the Griboyedov Canal, Spassky Island — from the Griboyedov Canal to the Fontanka River, and Bezymyanny Island — from the Fontanka to the Obvodny Canal, finishing up at Alexander Nevsky Square. It contains some splendid buildings — Gostiny Dvor, the Mikhailovsky Palace (The Russian Museum), the Alexandrinsky Theatre, Kazan Cathedral and the Public Library. Today it is one of the most beautiful streets in the world, containing the city's best hotels, shops, restaurants and clubs. There are five Metro stations which serve Nevsky Prospekt: "Ploshchad Aleksandra Nevskogo", "Ploshchad Vosstaniya", "Mayakovskaya", "Gostiny Dvor" and "Nevsky Prospekt".

THE CENTRAL DISTRICT - The district of the city where all the main places of interest are concentrated, bordered by Gorokhovaya Ulitsa, the Kutuzov, Robespierre and Sinopskaya Embankments and the Obvodny Canal. The district is famous for its wonderful views, its magnificent palaces and parks. It is also where St. Petersburg's best restaurants, shops, night clubs, discotheques and casinos are to be found. It can also quite fairly be called the city's "theatre-land", where all the "arty" people gather in the evenings.

THE PETROGRAD SIDE - The part of the city called the Petrograd Side is made up of five islands: Zayachy ("Hare") Island, Kronverksky Island, Petrogradsky Island, Aptekarsky Island and Petrovsky Island. Hare Island is the home of one of St. Petersburg's best-known sights and its most treasured historical monument — the Peter and Paul Fortress, one of the city's most popular and frequently visited places. Various different sporting events regularly take place here, including one of the rounds in the Speedboat Formula 1 World Championship. The Petrograd Side is the oldest part of St. Petersburg, and a walk around it will take quite a long time. Special points of interest are: Peter the Great's House (on the city's oldest square, Troitskaya Ploshchad), the Sailors' House, the Mosque and the Arsenal. The zoo is only ten minutes' walk from "Gorkovskaya" Metro station.

VASILEVSKY ISLAND - A picturesque part of the city which still retains its historic appearance, divided up into avenues and streets called "lines", set at right angles. You can still see gardens designed in Peter the Great's time along Bolshoy Prospekt, and old houses still survive here and there on the lines nearest to the Stock Exchange. The section of Vasilevsky Island from the Stock Exchange Point to Kadetsky Line has retained its old character to a large extent. From the very beginning this was the trading area of the city, containing the Stock Exchange (which, along with the Rostral Columns, forms the famous architectural ensemble of the Vasilevsky Island Point), the Kunstkamera and St. Petersburg's passenger port, the Gavan.

MOSKOVSKY PROSPEKT - Moskovsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg's main highway to the south, is now, at almost 10 kilometres, the city's longest road, connecting it with the town of Pushkin and the cities of Novgorod and Moscow. The highway is many people's first impression of St. Petersburg, as it is the gateway to the city and the road from the airport. Its main points of interest include the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad and Moskovskaya Ploshchad, which gives you an idea of the so-called "Stalinist Empire" style of architecture.

ESSENTIAL SIGHTS

PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS - Founded on 27 May (16 May old-style) 1703 to defend St. Petersburg against enemy raids. From the middle of the 18th century it contained Russia's political prison. The complex includes: Peter and Paul Cathedral, designed by D. Trezzini, which is the city's tallest building (the height of the spire is 121.8 metres), the house of the "grandfather of the Russian navy", where an exact copy of Peter I's little boat is kept, the Petrovsky and Nevsky Gates, and the Old Mint. Hare Island. Troitskaya Ploshchad.

THE ADMIRALTY - Founded in Peter I's time as a shipyard and a fortress. The first Russian warship, the "Poltava", was lowered into the Neva here in 1712. The famous building, with its tower and golden spire, was constructed in the 1730s to I. Korobov's design, then redesigned as it is today by A. Zakharov in 1823. Its architecture and decorative sculpture are based on naval themes and glorify the might and greatness of Russia. The building is U-shaped: its side wings with their tall flagpoles stretch out towards the Neva. From the river there is a good view of the sculptures of dolphins around the bases of the flagpoles. 1 Admiralteysky Proezd.

THE VASILEVSKY ISLAND SPIT - Thearchitecture here, designed by Thomas de Thomon, includes the former Stock Exchange building (now the Central Naval Museum) and the two colossal rostral columns. A sculpture "Neptune with Two Rivers, or the Baltic Sea" adorns the front of the Museum building which faces the Neva. Near the slipway down to the Neva are the Rostral Columns (34 metres in height), erected in 1810 to commemorate Russia's glorious naval victories. They also served as beacons: nowadays torches are lit on special occasions at the top of the columns where once lanterns used to shine through the mist. At the bases of the columns are four massive statues representing the Neva, Volkhov, Volga and Dnepr rivers. Birzhevoy Proezd.

THE FIELD OF MARS - In the 19th century this was a square which served as a parade-ground for the Imperial troops. During the February Revolution peoples' demonstrations were held here. In the centre is a monument to heroes of the revolution (1917 to 1919) and the communal graves of victims of street-fighting and of well-known revolutionaries, with an eternal flame burning among them in the middle of a little square. I. Fomin was the architect who planned the Field of Mars and the adjoining park.

PALACE SQUARE. THE TRIUMPHAL COLUMN — The city's central square and one of the world's most perfect architectural ensembles: it includes the Winter Palace, the General Staff Headquarters (previously the quarters of the Guards Regiment) and a triumphal column. The General Staff Headquarters was designed by K. Rossi and built in 1829: it is a majestic edifice consisting of two wings, with a total length of 600 metres, connected in the centre by a mighty archway, which is crowned by a triumphal chariot of Victory (the sculpture is about 10 metres high and weighs 16 tonnes). The Alexander Column was designed by A. Montferrand as a monument to Russia's military glory (1832-1834); the figure of the angel is the work of sculptor B. Orlovsky. The column is made from a single piece of granite and weighs 600 tonnes; the total height of the base and the statue is 47.5 metres.

SENATE SQUARE - Formerly called Decembrists' Square, since it was here that the first armed revolt by noble revolutionaries took place on 14 December 1825: they were demonstrating against serfdom and the autocracy. The architecture in the square includes the Bronze Horseman, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the former Senate and Synod buildings (now the Central Historical Archive). Architect K. Rossi and sculptors S. Pimenov and V. Demut-Malinovsky contributed to the last two, which were completed in 1834.

"NEW HOLLAND" - This complex is a monument of 18th century industrial architecture, designed by S. Chevakinsky and J-B. Vallin de la Mothe and built between 1765 and 1780: in former times the buildings were warehouses for the storing and drying of timber for ships. The monumental gateway with its triumphal arch is particularly remarkable. 103 Nab. Reki Moiki.

MONUMENTS

THE BRONZE HORSEMAN - A monument to the city's founder. Tsar Peter I, unveiled in 1782. The famous statue is the work of E. Falconet, except for Peter's head (by his pupil M-A. Collot) and the snake (by F. Gordeyev). A massive crag found near St. Petersburg forms the pedestal of the monument: it weighs about 1600 tonnes. Senatskaya PI.

MONUMENT TO NICHOLAS I - Designed by A. Montferrand and unveiled on 25 June 1859. The horse is by P. Klodt and the Tsar, his weapons and insignia are the work of R. Zaieman. The weighty six metre-long statue is supported on only two points — the horse's hooves. The pedestal is of marble and granite. The four seated female figures are intended to resemble the wife and daughters of the Russian Emperor. Isaakievskaya PI.

THE SUVOROV MONUMENT - Erected on the approach to Troitsky Bridge in 1818. Sculptor M. Kozlovsky cast the heroic figure of the general to resemble Mars, the Roman god of war. The bas-relief on the base, representing the spirits of Glory and Peace, is by F. Gordeyev. Suvorovskaya PI.

THE "STEREGUSHCHY" MONUMENT - This monument, created by the artist K. Izenberg, was unveiled in 1911 and commemorates the heroic exploit of two sailors from the motor torpedo boat "Steregushchy" during the Russian-Japanese War. Surrounded by the enemy navy, the sailors preferred death to captivity: they went down to the hold and scuttled the ship. Kamennoostrovsky Pr.

MONUMENT TO LENIN - This statue of the founder of the Soviet state was erected in 1926 (sculptor S. Yevseyev, architects V. Shchuko and V. Gelfreikh). It was on this square that the Communist leader made a speech in April 1917, immediately after returning to Russia. PI. Lenina.

PUSHKIN MONUMENT- Erected in 1957 during the city's 250th anniversary celebrations. Sculptor M. Anikushin created a touching, affectionate likeness of the 19th-century Russian poet. PI. Iskusstv.

CHURCHES

ST. ISAAC'S CATHEDRAL - One of the world's most beautiful cathedrals, built between 1818 and 1858 to A. Montferrand's design and named in honour ofSt. Isaac of Dalmatia, on whose day (30 May) Peter I was born. The leading craftsmen of the time participated in its construction — sculptors I. Vitali and P. Klodt, painters K. Bryullov and F. Bruni, the bell-maker I. Stukolkin from Valdai and others. The cathedral has columns of Karelian granite and pediments with statues of the Apostles and the Evangelists. It is 101.5 metres high, and there is a marvellous view over St. Petersburg from the colonnades. 1 Isaakievskaya PI. T: 210 9206,315 9732.

KAZAN CATHEDRAL- Built between 1801 and 1811 to Voronikhin's design to house the miracle-working icon of Our Lady of Kazan (the icon is now kept in the Prince Vladimir Cathedral). Kazan Cathedral was constructed in the shape of a Latin cross: the side facing Nevsky Prospekt boasts a colonnade of 96 columns. Regular exhibitions are held concerning the Orthodox Church and ecclesiastical art. 2 Kazanskaya PI. T: 311 0495.

ALEXANDER NEVSKY MONASTERY - Founded by Peter I in luly 1710, it was given the official title of "The Alexander Nevsky Monastery of the Holy Trinity" in 1797. At the turn of the century there were 16 churches in the monastery complex, of which five still survive: Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Church of the Annunciation, St. Lazarus' Church, St. Nicholas' Church and the Church of the Holy Mother of God "The Joy of all Mourners" which is over the monastery gates. 1 Nab. Reki Monastyrki. T: 274 0409.

SMOLNY CATHEDRAL OF THE RESURRECTION — One of the city's most beautiful cathedrals, designed by Rastrelli for the Monastery of the Resurrection and built between 1748 and 1764. 3/1 PI. Rastrelli. T: 271 7632.

ST. NICHOLAS' CATHEDRAL OF THE EPIPHANY - THE SAILORS' CATHEDRAL - Built as a church between 1753 and 1760, with a four-storey bell-tower to the west built between 1756 and 1758, it became a cathedral in 1941. It contains part of the relics of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker, saviour of those dying at sea and the patron saint of sailors. 1 Nikol-skaya PI. T: 114 0862.

CHURCH OF THE VLADIMIR MOTHER-OF-GOD ICON - Built between 1761 and 1769, with an adjoining two-storey bell-tower designed by Quarenghi. The church was returned to believers in 1990. 20 Vladimirsky Pr. T: 112 4424.

THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF ST. CATHERINE THE MARTYR - Designed by Felten and built between 1771 and 1779. The church was returned to the Armenian religious community in 1990. 40/42 Nevsky Pr.

BUDDHIST TEMPLE- Built between 1909 and 1915 and supposedly consecrated in honour of Kalachakra. Returned to the Buddhist community in 1990. 91 Primorsky Pr. T: 239 0341.

CATHEDRAL OF ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA — St. Petersburg's oldest Catholic church, designed by D. Trezzini and )-B. Vallin de la Mothe and built between 1763 and 1782. The weddings of members of venerable families took place there, as well as meetings of representatives of the Roman Catholic Church. The church has a side chapel where services are held. 32/34 Nevsky Pr. T: 311 5795.

DUTCH REFORM CHURCH - Built 1831 1835 (architect P. Jacquot). 20 Nevsky Pr.

ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH - A working church, built 1833-1838 to A. Bryullov's design. 22/24 Nevsky Pr. T: 311 2423.

GREAT CHORAL SYNAGOGUE - A working church, designed by I. Shaposhnikov and built between 1880 and 1893.2LermontovskyPr.T; 114 1153.

CATHEDRAL MOSQUE - Built between 1910 and 1920. Property of the Sunni Muslim community. 7 Kronverksky Pr. T: 233 9819.

ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUMS

THE HERMITAGE - One of the world's greatest museums, founded in 1764 and occupying the buildings of the Winter Palace and Small, Old and New Hermitages. The museum's collection now numbers more than 3 million items — paintings, graphic art, sculptures, applied art, coins and archeological finds. Open Tues-Sun 10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 34 Dvortsovaya Nab. T:311 3465.

MENSHIKOV PALACE - The palace, which is a branch of the Hermitage, is a fine example of 18th century architecture. It was built for Peter I's favourite to the design of architects G-M. Fontane and I-G. Schadel. The museum contains an exhibition about Russian history and culture in the first half of the 18th century. Open Tues-Sun 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. 15 Universitet-skaya Nab. T: 213 1112.

RUSSIAN MUSEUM - The largest museum of Russian art, opened in 1898. It is housed in the Mikhailovsky Palace, built by the architect Rossi. It contains works by great Russian artists: A, Rublev, F. Shu-bin, 0. Kiprensky, P. Fedotov, I. Repin, I, Levitan and many others. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 4 Inzhenernaya Ul. T: 210 4173.

MARBLE PALACE - Now a branch of the Russian Museum, the palace was built between 1768 and 1785 by the architect Rinaldi for Count G. Orlov, one of Catherine II's favourites. There is a permanent exhibition dedicated to European artists of the 18th and the first half of the 19th centuries who lived and worked in Russia, and also an exhibition of modern art from abroad. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 5/1 Millionnaya Ul. T: 312 9196.

MIKHAILOVSKY (OR "ENGINEERS'") CASTLE - The Mikhailovsky Castle is a branch of the Russian Museum, and regularly holds exhibitions. There is also a permanent display of formal portraits of members of the Romanov dynasty and the Russian aristocracy. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 2 Sadovaya Ul. T: 210 4173.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF WAX WORKS - Theexhibition is devoted to the history of Russia. 100 wax portraits: the Russian tsars and their entourage. Open 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. daily. 41 Nevsky Pr. T: 315 5636.

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF ST. PETERSBURG — The museum is in the Peter and Paul Fortress, a unique example of 18th century architecture. The Peter and Paul Cathedral contains the burial vault of Peter I and other Russian emperors. Other parts of the museum are the Neva Wing and the Commandant's House, where various exhibitions are held. The cells of the Alekseyevsky Ravelin — the main political prison in Tsarist times — are permanently open to visitors. Open Mon, Tues and Thurs-Sun 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 10 Peter and Paul Fortress. T: 238 4511.

KUNSTKAMERA— Russia's first museum, founded in 1714 on Peter I's order. It contains household items, works of applied art and national costumes from Siberia, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. It includes exhibits collected by the well-known Russian travellers and explorers N. Miklukho-Maklay, P. Kozlov and Y. Lisyansky. An exhibition called "Peter I's Anatomic Collection" is permanently on show. Open Mon-Thurs and Sun 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 3 Universitetskaya Nab. T: 218 1412.

SAVIOUR-ON-THE-BLOOD CHURCH (CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION) - A monument of Russian architecture and decorative art of the late 19th century, designed by Parland. The church's unique decorations, both interior and exterior, include icons and panels made from majolica and mosaic created by the leading Russian artists of last century. There is a permanent exhibition "Tsar Alexander II". Open 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. daily. 2a Nab. Kanala Griboyedova. T: 315 4361.

SUMMER GARDEN AND PETER I'S SUMMER PALACE — A masterpiece of Russian landscape art, the Summer Garden was laid out on Peter I's orders at the beginning of the 18th century. It originally contained 250 sculptures by Italian masters, but only 89 have survived. The buildings in the garden are Peter I's Summer Palace (architect D. Trezzini), the Coffee House (architect K. Rossi) and the Tea House (architect L. Charlemagne). Summer Garden. T: 314 0456 (palace).

PETER I'S CABIN - The first wooden building in St. Petersburg, built in 1703 and still surviving in its original form. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 6 Petrovskaya Nab. T: 232 4576.

MUSEUM OF ETHNOGRAPHY - A unique collection which reflects the life and culture of the peoples of Russia: it consists mostly of examples of traditional costumes, embroidery, fabrics and furs. The museum's reserves contain many rarities such as icons, ritual costumes and masks. Open Tues-Sun 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 4/1 Inzhenernaya Ul. T: 210 4320.

NATIONAL PUSHKIN MUSEUM - The country's oldest literary museum, containing all Pushkin's personal belongings. The museum undertakes scientific and educational work. Open 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Wed-Mon (except the last Friday of each month) 12 Nab. Reki Moiki. T: 311 3531.

SUVOROV MUSEUM - Memorial exhibition devoted to the great general-in-chief. The house has undergone ten years of reconstruction and restoration, all conforming precisely to the plans of the architect Gauguin. The new interiors of this unique building are fascinating. Open Thur-Mon 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 43 Ul. Saltykova-Shchedrina. T: 279 3914.

MUSEUM OF ARTILLERY, ENGINEERS AND SIGNAL CORPS — The museum contains more than 50,000 exhibits: artillery pieces, weapons and firearms, engineering equipment and battle paintings. There is a unique outdoor exhibition — a collection of heavy artillery from ancient times to the present day. Open Wed-Sun 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 7 Alexandrovsky Park. T: 232 0296.

CENTRAL NAVAL MUSEUM - The museum came into existence on Peter I's orders in 1709, in a building attached to the Admiralty. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Russian navy, which was born in St. Petersburg; it contains more than 1500 model ships, flags, weapons, historical documents and much more besides. Open Wed-Sun 10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 4 Birzhevaya PI. T: 328 2502.

THE CRUISER "AURORA" - A branch of the Central Naval Museum. It was from this cruiser that the first shot of the October Revolution was fired. An exhibition on this unique floating museum contains 500 documents and photographs relating to the Revolution. Open Thurs, Sat, Sun 10.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Petrovskaya Nab. T: 230 8440.

THEATRE AND MUSIC ART MUSEUM - A wide selection of material about the history of Russian dramatic art and music is on show in this museum. Chamber concerts are held here. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 6 PI. Ostrovskogo. T: 311 2195.

PRINTING MUSEUM - The museum is in an old printing house, built in 1905, and is devoted to the history of printing in St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 20th century. The museum's collection includes copies of newspapers and magazines, restored interiors and printing equipment from the mid-19th to early20th centuries. Various exhibitions on particular subjects are held here. Open Mon, Tues, Thurs-Sun 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 32 Nab. Reki Moiki. T: 312 0977.

ZOOLOGICAL MUSEUM - A rich collection of fauna from every continent and climatic zone, amounting to some 40,000 exhibits. Open Mon-Thurs, Sat, Sun 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 1 Universitetskaya Nab. T: 328 0112.

"MANEGE" - Central exhibition hall — Holds art exhibitions, fairs, festivals, presentations and concerts. Open 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., except Thursday. 1 Isaakievskaya PI. T: 314 5959, 314 8253.

YUSUPOV PALACE - The only mansion of the St. Petersburg nobility with the comfortable fascination created by talented 18th- and 19th-century architects, sculptors and artists from Russia and abroad. It is outstanding not only for its architectural and artistic merits, however, but also for the events that happened there in December 1916, with the murder of Grigory Rasputin. The palace offers guided tours, concerts and other cultural programmes. Open daily noon to 3.00 p.m. 94 Nab. Reki Moiki. T: 314 9883, 314 8893.

SUBURBS OF ST. PETERSBURG

"PETERHOF" - Peterhof is 30 kilometres to the West of St. Petersburg. The palace and park complex with its unique array of fountains is considered tobeoneofthe most beautiful in the world. The park began to take shape in 1710 during Peter I's reign. In addition to the Grand Palace, built by the architects F. Braunstein, M. Zemtsov and A. Leblond, the complex also includes the "Monplaisir" and "Marly" Palaces and the Hermitage Pavilion. 2 Razvodnaya UL, Petrodvorets. (Train from Baltiysky Station). T: 420 0073.

"ORANIENBAUM"- The town of Lomonosov is 40 kilometres west of St. Petersburg. The palace and park complex was built for Peter I's favourite A. Men-shikov, who owned the surrounding land: building work began in 1707. The large baroque-style palace and the Lower Park were constructed to the design of the architects I-G. Schadel and G-M. Fontane. In the mid-18th century Peter Ill's Palace, the Chinese Palace and the Sliding Hill Pavilion were built by the architect A. Rinaldi. There is a holiday centre in the Cavaliers' Block in the Upper Park. To book rooms, telephone: 423 1632. 48 Pr. Yunogo Lenintsa, Lomonosov. (Train from Baltiysky Station). T: 422 3753.

"TSARSKOYE SELO" - The town of Pushkin, which was called Tsarskoye Selo until 1917, is 24 kilometres south of St. Petersburg. It was the residence of the tsars from 1725 onwards. From the mid-18th century to the early 19th century a palace and park complex was built, including the Catherine and Alexander Parks. The Catherine Palace is one of the best examples of Russian baroque. 7 Sadovaya UL, Pushkin. (Train from Vitebsky Station). T: 465 5308.

"PAVLOVSK" - Pavlovsk is 30 kilometres south of St. Petersburg, and is a former residence of the Russian tsars. Pavlovsk Palace was built in the classic style by the architect Cameron. The picturesque park is adorned by pavilions built by Cameron, Brenna and Pilnikov. Johann Strauss and his orchestra performed over a period of 15 years in the Pavlovsk Kursaal, which was built for passengers on Russia's first railway. 20 Revolutsii UL, Pavlovsk. (Train from Vitebsky Station). T: 470 6536.

partner links