Known as the Venice of the North because of the countless channels that cut through the city, St. Petersburg is a bustling city that hasn’t lost its historical appeal. Palaces, imperial gardens, and mind-boggling museums give the visitors an insight look on the majestic Russia of yesteryear.
Russia’s most stunning city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, who wanted to be the envy of Europe. The Tsar spared no expense on the construction of lavish palaces on the banks of the countless channels cutting through the city.
St. Petersburg was greatly damaged during WWII and many of its treasures were lost. Nonetheless, it is still a testament to the glory of times gone by.
Hermitage
The world’s second largest museum houses such a vast art collection that only fifteen percent of it can be shown at any given time. It was built in 1754 by commission of Empress Elizabeth and then remodeled and extended by Catherine the Great, who used the buildings primarily to house her husband’s ever-growing art collection.
The Hermitage consists of five interconnected lavish palaces displaying everything from Russian Prehistoric artifacts to Van Goghs and Renoirs, gilt-incrusted furnished ballrooms, and Peter the Great’s throne.
The thousands of rooms (Winter Palace alone has 1057 rooms) offer such a mesmerizing sight that you run the risk of being absorbed by one display and then running out of time to see the rest. Rooms are numbered but not necessarily organized in any logical fashion and it’s easy to get confused and wander off. If you do, make sure that you enjoy your surroundings as you’re looking for the exit –The buildings themselves are true works of art, with over 200 white marble staircases and windows overlooking the Neva River.
There also special collections that you can only view if you join a tour, such as the fabulous Scythian gold and jewel display. These private exhibitions are usually well-worth the extra time and money.