In this article, we explain why it’s an absolute MUST to visit Saint Petersburg. You have to do it at least twice in your life because the city is entirely different in summer and winter. Winter in St. Petersburg definitely has its charm – you will find the city as a snowy wonderland. During the summer, in addition to many festivals, one of St. Petersburg’s most notable attractions are “White Nights”. They take place from mid-June to early July. This is the period of time when night and day merge. The effect of an endless day is surreal and enchanting, also perfect for having big parties!
Each year, the European Union designates one of its cities as the capital of culture for 1 year. Since Russia is not part of the European Union, St. Petersburg is not considered a potential candidate, but its title is similar. Saint Petersburg is recognized as the most culturally important city in Russia and is among the most culturally rich places in the whole world. The city is home to 8,000 monuments and more than 200 museums.
Music, art, architecture, science, theater – all of these made Saint Petersburg the city which you can find today. The city has a long and rich history of “cultural capital” of Russia. Founded in 1703, St. Petersburg was the country’s capital during the time of Imperial Russia. Walking through St. Petersburg will make you feel like you are traveling to a more lavish and opulent age. You will find many shining examples of Neoclassical and Baroque architecture, as well as buildings in the Stalinist, Modern and Neo-Gothic styles.
You will be amazed at the attention to detail inside and out that makes the Hermitage one of the most visited museums in the world. Seeing the entire Hermitage Museum in one visit is an impossibility. In fact, if you were to spend a minute looking at every item on display, it would take you eight years to see it all. The museum occupies a large complex of six historic buildings along the palace embankment, including the enchanting Winter Palace which was the residence of the Russian emperors.
Saint Petersburg may be a city of architectural wonders, but part of its charm is how it balances all this man-made grandeur with natural beauty. The city’s most famous green destination is the “Summer garden” designed by the city’s founder, Peter the Great. It’s also highly recommended to take a look to “Tavrichesky garden” which is situated near “Michailovsky castle”.
The charm of the city also lies in its canals and bridges. In fact, there are over 800 bridges crossing a total length of 300 kilometers of man-made canals. During the imperator years they served as important source of transport. These days, most of the traffic was transferred to the roads. As a tourist, you should definitely take a canal tour and see St. Petersburg from a different perspective. Saint Petersburg is called the “Venice of the North” because of its elaborate canal system. Hundreds and hundreds of bridges dot the city, ranging from modest but romantic stone structures to more elaborate ones, including 22 drawbridges.
There are so many other tourist attractions in St. Petersburg. We did not mention the fabulous nightlife, the many incredible restaurants, the endless mass of beautiful Orthodox churches, theaters and small museums. We are more than certain that Saint Petersburg will take your breath away!
The article "Saint Petersburg- one of the best places to visit" was written by Viktoriia Klinovaya in Lyon, France,2020; especially for larussiesauvage.fr
