Top 5 places you must visit while on your trip to Saint Petersburg, the Northern Capital of Russia

Saint Petersburg is a historical, cultural, and architectural marvel which is beautifully situated on the Neva River banks in northwest Russia. The city is referred to as the Northern Capital of Russia and is full of grandeur, glamour, and artistic glory. It is a destination where imperial glory and modern vitality come together: a place that brings visitors centuries of art, architecture, and culture. There is the story of every part of this magical city, in all the gilded palaces or the cobblestone streets upon which emperors and artists have trod.

Saint Petersburg can be charming because it is a mixture of opulence, traditions, and spirit. The city welcomes tourists to see its huge artistic riches, stroll through the grand palaces and be amazed by the splendor that reminds of the imperial greatness of Russia. In case you are a history-lover, an art admirer, or just a leisure traveler, Saint Petersburg will certainly enchant you.

The people mentioned five places that you cannot visit Saint Petersburg without:

1. The Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum is a crown jewel in Saint Petersburg, and has been listed as one of the largest art museums in the world as well as the oldest. This museum is situated in the luxurious Winter Palace where the Russian tsars used to live and it houses more than three million pieces of art. Considering masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt as well as the objects of the ancient civilization, each hall of the Hermitage speaks of creativity and magnificence.

The building itself is quite spectacular, and the glitter of chandeliers, gold-embossed ceilings, and marble stairs are evidence of the wealth of Imperial Russia. You know, you are not going to look at art as you walk through its myriads of galleries, you are going through time. The Hermitage is a living example of how the human mind could imagine and how Russia loves to save its great cultural heritage.

2. The Peterhof Palace and Gardens

A trip to Saint Petersburg is not complete without a visit to the Peterhof Palace; which is commonly referred to as the Russian Versailles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site which was constructed by Peter the Great as a reminder of the rise of Russia as an European power. The palace complex is one of the marvels of architecture and landscape, which combine both greatness and artistic accuracy.

The Grand Cascade; the golden statues, its dancing fountains, is one of the most remarkable scenes in Russia. The carefully planned gardens are flowering in color and beauty, and the interiors of the palaces are gleaming with gilded halls, marble stairs, and complicated frescoes. Standing here, looking out on the Gulf of Finland, you may well taste the majesty of an empire which strove to counteract the best of Europe. Peterhof is not just an object–it is a piece of beauty in action.

3. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the most impressive structures of Saint Petersburg and an architectural icon and a symbol of worship. It is easily identifiable due to its colorful onion domes and sparkling mosaic facades. The church stands on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was killed, hence serving as a reminder and an exhibition of Russian art.

It has 7,500 square meters of mosaics on the inside, featuring biblical scenes in spectacular detail. The interiors are warm with a plethora of color, the result of a sophisticated Russian art and religiousness. The awe of every single inch of this holy place is powerful. When one goes to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, one gets the feeling of walking into a living painting, the nature of the painting being that of faith, tragedy and triumph in the past of Russia.

4. The State Russian Museum

The State Russian Museum is one place that should not be missed by those who would prefer to explore the artistic soul of Russia deeper. It accommodates the greatest artwork of Russian art in the world showcasing the masterpieces of renowned artists like Ilya Repin, Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich.

As opposed to the Hermitage, which specializes in international art, the Russian Museum glorifies the development of creative activity of the country, both the religious icons of the 12th century and the avant-garde modern art. There are paintings, sculptures, and decorative art in the huge halls of the museum covering the metamorphosis of the Russian identity over the centuries. A visit to its exhibits will give you the feelings, pains and pride of a nation which are expressed in art. More than a gallery it is the image of the soul of Russia.

5. St. Isaac’s Cathedral

The Saint Petersburg skyline is dominated by the St. Isaac’s Cathedral which is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and a masterpiece of architectural genius. One can observe its grand golden dome shining in the northern sun and see it at a distance of many miles. The cathedral engulfs visitors in the splendor of faith and art through the marble columns, colorful mosaics and rich frescoes, which are displayed inside the cathedral.

Hop up to the observation deck on the top of the dome and you will be rewarded with the panoramic view of the sweeping boulevards of Saint Petersburg, and canals and palaces. It is quite a miracle and more so during the time of sunset when the city shines in shades of gold and rose, this is because St. Isaac’s is not just a monument, but it is a religious experience and a living illustration of the toughness and attractiveness that characterize this great city.

A Travel in Art, History and Majesty

Saint Petersburg is not merely a city, it is like a dream that opens all sensory organs. Since the royal palaces of the Hermitage to the golden fountains of Peterhof, from the holy mosaics of the Savior on Spilled Blood to the panorama of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, each of the places welcomes you to feel the beating of Russian history and culture.

It is the city to see opposites, the ancient and the modern, the great and the small, the imperial and the artistic. Browse its cobblestone streets or cruise its canals, you cannot help but be impressed by Saint Petersburg even after you are gone.

When you organize a new adventure, then let the Northern Capital of Russia charm you with its beauty, grace and eternal elegance. After all, there are not many cities in the world that narrate so well as Saint Petersburg does.