{"id":671352,"date":"2022-07-06T14:39:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-06T11:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=671352"},"modified":"2022-02-02T22:04:36","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T19:04:36","slug":"what-to-see-in-st-petersburg-in-1-day-on-your-own-route-photo-description-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/what-to-see-in-st-petersburg-in-1-day-on-your-own-route-photo-description-map\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see in St. Petersburg in 1 day on your own – route, photo, description, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

St. Petersburg is one of those cities where it is almost impossible to see the sights<\/a> in one day. But what if you happen to be passing through this city and you only have a few hours to make a promenade through the cultural capital of Russia?<\/p>\n

So, what can you see in St. Petersburg<\/a> in 1 day on your own. Quite a lot, given that the main attractions are compactly located. If you start from the historical center and move without delay towards the outskirts, then the most famous monuments can be viewed in detail.<\/p>\n

You should move in the central part on foot: although it is slower, you will be able to see more. In order not to accidentally go the other way, it is recommended to take a free map<\/a> from the information center. All objects of interest to tour<\/a>ists are marked on it.<\/p>\n

The map is also useful for ordinary trips around the city. And for hungry cafes and restaurants offer delicious food for every budget.<\/p>\n

Monument to Nicholas I<\/h2>\n

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

It is convenient to start exploring the city from the monument to Nicholas 1. By the way, it is the Arabic one that is present in the inscription. The opening took place in July 1859.<\/p>\n

And according to tradition, everything that is depicted on the monument has a certain meaning:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The emperor is depicted in the uniform of a guardsman, because he was the chief of this regiment.<\/li>\n
  2. 4 figures framing the pedestal symbolize Faith, Wisdom, Strength and Justice. And the faces of the statues repeat the features of the wife and 3 daughters of Nicholas 1.<\/li>\n
  3. All significant deeds of the emperor are immortalized in high reliefs: the opening of the bridge on the Moscow-St. Petersburg<\/a> railway, the suppression of the Decembrist uprising, the adoption of the first code and the awarding of Speransky on this occasion, the suppression of the cholera riot.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It is noteworthy that St. Isaac's Cathedral, the monument to Nicholas 1 and the Bronze Horseman are located on the 1st straight line, and Nicholas 1 looks at the back of Peter the Great. The wits of the 19th century immediately put down a saying: a fool hurries after a smart one, but Isaac, you see, interferes.<\/p>\n

    After the October Revolution, it was decided to destroy the monument. But scientists managed to defend the attraction. For this, they even made up a legend: there are no more equestrian sculptures in the country that would rely on 2 points of support. And Nicholas 1 continued to stand, already as a unique building.<\/p>\n

    There was an assumption that the balance is achieved due to the shot poured into the body of the horse: this is how the center of gravity is changed. But this turned out to be a legend; no foreign objects were found inside the horse during the restoration. And there is a monument due to the fact that the hind legs of the animal are attached to the base with the help of metal rods.<\/p>\n

    Hotel<\/a> Astoria Rocco Forte<\/h2>\n

    \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

    Astoria is conveniently located: within walking distance from it are the main monuments. In 1908, a building built by an English joint-stock company stood on this site. It was planned to open a new hotel in 1909, but the ceremony did not take place until December 1912.<\/p>\n

    Initially it was assumed that the hotel would have deluxe rooms. The building must be fireproof and waterproof. For the convenience of the guests, it was decided to organize a winter garden, a hall with a stage, several living rooms.<\/p>\n

    Basements are protected from flooding and are intended for internal purposes. All services (elevators, sewerage, ventilation, heating) are designed with the latest development<\/a>s in mind. Astoria holds this level today.<\/p>\n

    Astoria experienced different times:<\/p>\n

    Today it is a comfortable and romantic hotel. Celebrities from all over the world stay here. And the interiors are immortalized in several domestic films.<\/p>\n

    Saint Isaac's Cathedral<\/h2>\n

    \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

    The cathedral was built on the site of the temple, which, according to Alexander 1, did not meet the concept of building the center of the capital. Among the presented projects, the work of Montferrand was recognized as the best. Construction lasted 40 years. In order to gild the dome, it took 100 kg of pure gold. And the cathedral itself is considered a museum<\/a> of colored stone: 43 types of minerals were used in its design. The walls are decorated with panels of jasper, porphyry, green and yellow marble.<\/p>\n

    Worked on the interiors: Karl Bryullov, Ivan Vitali, Vasily Shebuev. Montferrand believed that 7,000 parishioners could stand in the hall during the service, but today it can accommodate much more: in the 18th century, ladies wore too full skirts.<\/p>\n

    After the October Revolution, the cathedral was desecrated and looted: the Bolsheviks received 45 kg of gold and more than 2,000 kg of silver. Services were banned in 1928. But Isaac was lucky: he was not blown up, but used as an anti-religious museum. The basements of the cathedral were used as storage for art objects during the Patriotic War of 1941-1945.<\/p>\n

    In 1948 the cathedral became a museum. Services resumed in 1990, but only on bank holidays<\/a> and Sundays. Excursions are regularly held in Isaac. Tourists who come to the city for the first time always climb the Isaac Colonnade: from here you can see an excellent panorama of the Neva and the old center.<\/p>\n

    The ascent itself is quite time-consuming: you have to overcome the spiral staircase on foot. But beautiful views atone for all suffering.<\/p>\n

    Savior on Spilled Blood<\/h2>\n

    \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

    The temple was built on the site where an attempt was made on the life of Emperor Alexander 2.<\/p>\n

    The new emperor Alexander 3 set 2 conditions:<\/p>\n

    These simple requirements turned out to be difficult to implement: only the third time the project of the professor of the Academy of Arts Parland was chosen. The building was erected quite soon, and the decoration took 10 years. The temple was consecrated in 1907.<\/p>\n

    The Savior on Spilled Blood repeated the history<\/a> of many Orthodox churches. After the October Revolution, it was desecrated and looted, then used as a food warehouse. During the Great Patriotic War, a morgue was equipped in the basements, and after the liberation – a place to store theatrical props.<\/p>\n

    Fortunately, the unique building has been preserved, and in 1970 it even began to be restored. During the work, it was possible to find a fascist shell, which hit the floors, but did not explode. The restoration lasted so long that the people came up with a legend: as soon as the cathedral was freed from scaffolding, the power of the Soviets would fall.<\/p>\n

    As often happens, the fairy tale came true: the exterior work was completed in the summer of 1991. The building was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, and regular services have been held here since 2007. The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is an active temple and at the same time part of the museum of St. Isaac's Cathedral.<\/p>\n

    Senate square<\/h2>\n

    \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

    At the beginning of the 18th century, Peter the Great ordered the construction of the Admiralty on the territory between the Moika and the Neva. It should be not only a building, but also a fortress with a shipyard. The open space in front of the fortification should have been perfectly shot through when the enemy attacked from the west.<\/p>\n

    But after some time, the fortress ceased to be an important strategic object, and it was decided to rebuild the free space into a city square. At first it was an ordinary meadow. Then, from the west, it began to be built up with residential buildings. And in the southern part of the meadow, the church of Isaac of Dalmatia was erected from wood.<\/p>\n

    In the middle of the 18th century, instead of the palace of Alexander Menshikov, a house<\/a> was built for Bestuzhev-Ryumin. And already during the reign of Catherine the Great, it was transfer<\/a>red to the Senate. The formation of the Senate Square was completed: this is how the territory between the Senate and the Admiralty began to be called.<\/p>\n

    The new buildings of the Admiralty formed the eastern border of the square, and the monument to Peter the Great (the Bronze Horseman) became an integral part of it. It was then that the square was renamed Petrovskaya, but the name did not stick.<\/p>\n

    On December 14, 1825, the blood of the Decembrists was shed on Senate Square. 100 years after the suppression of the uprising, the square was renamed again: it became the Decembrists Square. In 2008, the original name was returned to her.<\/p>\n

    Bronze Horseman<\/h2>\n

    \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

    The Bronze Horseman is installed on the Senate Square. This is her business card and the main symbol of the city. The monument is unique both compositionally and technically. The architect Falcone and his assistant Marie-Anne Collot worked on the sculpture. The Frenchman used his own concept of creating the image of the emperor: he believed that the king, first of all, is a creator and benefactor for his country.<\/p>\n

    The fact that Peter i<\/a>s a warrior is only reminiscent of the sword at his belt. This interpretation did not suit everyone, so Falcone was forced to leave the country before the completion of all work. The monument was erected by Fyodor Gordeev.<\/p>\n

    In general, a whole team worked on the composition:<\/p>\n

    After the opening, the monument was surrounded by a fence, but later it was dismantled. Now it is planned to restore the fence to protect the Bronze Horseman from vandals. Interestingly, the sculpture began to be called the Bronze Horseman after Pushkin wrote his poem.<\/p>\n

    Palace Square<\/h2>\n

    \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

    The main square of the city is named after the central building – the Winter Palace<\/a>. The square was designed by the architect Rossi. The main task<\/a> is to combine existing buildings into a single ensemble by adding new ones:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. From the south, the square was closed by the building of the General Staff. Its facade stretches for more than 500 m. The buildings are connected by an arch, on which bas-reliefs are depicted. The arch consists of 3 parts, which are located with a slight indent from each other. This achieves the effect of a gradual vision of space. The arch is crowned with a chariot in which the goddess Glory stands.<\/li>\n
    2. Guards Corps closes Palace Square from the east. The building had to be in harmony with the Winter Palace and the General Staff Building. The architect Bryullov managed to build a completely neutral building, which organically complemented the composition.<\/li>\n
    3. It is impossible to imagine the ensemble without the Pillar of Alexandria (Alexander Column). This stele of polished pink granite was erected in honor of Russia's victory in the war against Napoleon. The author of the monument is Auguste Montferrand. At the top of the column is an angel holding a cross. This part of the monument was designed by Orlovsky. A strikingly technical solution for the installation of the column: it is not fastened to the base: it is held due to its own gravity.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The most stunning element of the ensemble is the Winter Palace. This building at the time of construction was the tallest and largest: it occupied almost 9 hectares of urban territory. There was even a law in the capital: it was forbidden to build houses higher.<\/p>\n

      The building of the Admiralty<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      Peter set the task: to build a fortress and at the same time a shipyard in the place of the most probable enemy attack. The tsar, together with Menshikov, searched for a suitable territory for a whole week. It turned out to be a place opposite Vasilyevsky Island<\/a>, where the Neva is narrowest.<\/p>\n

      This was required in order to shoot at the enemy with direct fire. The fortress was designed in the shape of the letter P, with its lower part facing the Neva. Later, the free area was built up.<\/p>\n

      The work was carried out quickly: a year later the first ship left the shipyard. From the side of Nevsky Prospekt, a moat dug out and filled with water served as an obstacle. The fortress-shipyard became almost impregnable. Around the Admiralty there was a free territory (meadow), which later became the Alexander Garden. In addition to its direct purpose, the Admiralty performed peaceful functions: the tower was a fire tower (in case of fires in the city) and a signal tower (in case of floods).<\/p>\n

      The Admiralty was decorated with 56 statues symbolizing different spheres of human life. During the restructuring of Isaac, a temple was located here, and the priests struggled with the indecent appearance of decorations. The struggle was crowned with success: the naked statues were dressed, and the pagan ones were replaced.<\/p>\n

      The spire of the Admiralty is the junction point of three highways of the city: Nevsky Prospekt, Gorokhovaya Street and Voznesensky Prospekt. The needle (as Pushkin called the spire) is crowned with a ball with a boat. Treasures are hidden in the ball: the draft constitution of the USSR laid down during the restoration in the 70s and Soviet newspapers.<\/p>\n

      General Staff building<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      Even before the war with Napoleon, Alexander 1 reformed the General Staff. All divisions began to be in one place. For this purpose, Molchanov's house, bought out with state money, was intended.<\/p>\n

      But after the victory, it became clear that the premises were small. Diplomatic services also needed to be deployed. The king decided to build another wing of the building. To implement the project, money was allocated from the treasury for the purchase of houses adjacent to the existing building.<\/p>\n

      Later, Alexander decided to move the Ministry of Finance to Palace Square. Finance Minister Guryev liked the idea of \u200b\u200bmoving the institution: it was prestigious to have a view of the Winter Palace from the windows.
      \nThe architect Rossi was entrusted to implement the idea of \u200b\u200bthe emperor. The difficulty was that it was required not only to build new structures along an imaginary arc, but also to create a single ensemble with the Winter Palace. The king demanded a unified concept of building facades.<\/p>\n

      Construction began in 1820, it lasted 10 years. After completion, the western wing was transferred to the General Staff, and the eastern wing to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rossi did the impossible: he combined the Russian baroque of the Winter Palace and the Empire style of his project.<\/p>\n

      Naturally, the royal residence dominates. Today, the command of the Western Military District is located in the western wing. In the east, until 1993, the City Police Department was quartered, and in 1993 the building was handed over to the Hermitage. Today, thematic and permanent exhibitions are held here.<\/p>\n

      Hermitage<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      The history of the emergence of the Hermitage is conditionally divided into several stages:<\/p>\n

      The building itself is a landmark of the city. But inside there is something to see. The collections of the Hermitage began to be created under Catherine the Great. And today in the center you can see unique paintings and sculptures. The expositions are complemented by interactive screens. Thematic exhibitions are organized.<\/p>\n

      Zoo<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      The zoo is located in the very center of the city, in the Alexander Park. It is the smallest of all parks<\/a> in Russia. But at the same time, his collection is impressive: more than 2,500 animals. It began in 1865 as a private menagerie, and little is known about its history: the institution's archives were destroyed in 1940. But a lot has been written about how 16 workers, dying of hunger, saved animals in the blockade. In memory of their feat, the zoo continues to be called Leningrad.<\/p>\n

      Animals are kept in excellent conditions. And the pride of the zoo is the ornithological department. Here you can see birds list<\/a>ed in the International Red Book. Interesting department of predators. Enclosures with Ussuri tigers, leopards, lions and bears are always crowded. The zoo has a good collection of small predators: martens, raccoons, sables.<\/p>\n

      Walking through the well-groomed territory will pleasantly diversify the tour of the city. Children will especially like it: you can see how the employees feed the animals.<\/p>\n

      Russian Museum<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      In April 1895, the last emperor of Russia, Nicholas 2, acquired the Mikhailovsky Palace with all its ancillary premises and a garden for the treasury. The building houses a new institution: the Alexander 3 Russian Museum.<\/p>\n

      The first funds are small:<\/p>\n

      In the future, Nicholas 2 offered to buy canvases with state money, or accept them as a gift<\/a>. Moreover, the canvases placed at the Academy of Arts could be transferred to the Russian Museum only 5 years after the death of the author. The exposition opened in 1898.<\/p>\n

      During the first 10 years of operation, funds have more than doubled. After the October Revolution, the Russian Museum continued to work. Purchasing commissions worked on replenishing the collection.<\/p>\n

      Today the complex consists of:<\/p>\n

      The center also includes garden ensembles: the Mikhailovsky Garden, the Summer Garden, the Summer House of Peter the Great. It is unlikely that it will be possible to fully explore the complex in 1 day, but you can make a sightseeing tour.<\/p>\n

      House of Peter I<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      It was the first completed building in the new city: Peter 1 built it together with several assistants as soon as the Peter and Paul Fortress was laid. But the laying of logs is specific: this is how the Swedes erected log cabins.<\/p>\n

      Therefore, historians suggest that captured soldiers participated in the construction.
      \nThe house itself is lined with brick today, but was originally only painted like a stone. It was called in all documents the palace, although it was small and modest and intended for the king's rest only in the summer. There was a residence near the water on Berezovy Island.<\/p>\n

      From his home, Peter watched the construction of the Peter and Paul Fortress. But after the construction of the Winter Palace, the tsar lost interest in the unsightly structure. No one else lived in the house, it began to collapse. But Peter ordered the first building of the city to be repaired, lined with stone and taken under constant supervision. So the monument was saved. Today, this unique palace is eagerly visited by tourists: it is perfectly preserved.<\/p>\n

      Mikhailovsky castle and garden<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      The Mikhailovsky Garden was finally designed by Karl Rossi. But the park ensemble was replanned many times, taking into account the requirements of the new owners:<\/p>\n

      In 2007, a large-scale reconstruction of the ensemble was completed. Today it has been restored to its historical appearance.<\/p>\n

      Peter-Pavel's Fortress<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      It was from the Peter and Paul Fortress that the city began to be built. And it began as a fortification, a small garrison of which could repel the attack of the Swedish army. Petersburgers consider Petropavlovka the heart of the city.
      \nThe place on Hare Island was chosen by Peter 1 himself. And the fortification was built by engineer Lambert de Guerin. After the place was consecrated, the ark with the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called was laid. The bastions were erected at the same time, the material was wood and earth.<\/p>\n

      On behalf of the construction manager, parts of the fortress were named:<\/p>\n

      Later, the fortifications were lined with stone. And for ease of movement, Zayachy Island was connected to the Petrograd side by a bridge. The fortress was being completed: in 1707, the Petrovsky Gates were erected. They were decorated with statues.<\/p>\n

      The Mint worked in the fortress, there was an ammunition depot. The garrison could fight without food supplies for quite a long time. The Peter and Paul Fortress was a tragic place: prisoners were kept there. Among them are the Decembrists, Dostoevsky.<\/p>\n

      Alexandre Dumas compared it to the Chateau d'If and predicted that she would soon reveal her terrible secrets. Today, permanent and thematic exhibitions are open on the territory of the fortress. A sightseeing tour of the fortress will take about an hour, and to get to know the ensemble in detail, it will take several weeks.<\/p>\n

      Grand Model Russia<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      This is a new museum: it has been open since June 2012. It shows the layout of Russia. Moreover, this is not an exact copy of the country: on an area of \u200b\u200babout 800 square meters, typical parts of the landscape, the movement of all types of transport, and unusual situations (like escaping from prison) are reproduced.<\/p>\n

      The model is controlled by a computer system, but each visitor can take part in creating the situation. For example, start the movement of cars along the highway or activate the life of a small holiday village.<\/p>\n

      Tourists are attracted by the alternation of day and night, which occurs after 13 minutes. In order to prevent shadows from falling on the layout, a system of LEDs of almost 1,000,000 light bulbs was used.<\/p>\n

      But the Grand Maket offers not only to see the interactive exposition. There are quests, live lessons for children and adults, you can even celebrate a birthday. For the convenience of visitors, there is a cafe, and it is recommended to leave the car in a paid parking lot near the center.<\/p>\n

      Divo Ostrov<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      Sometimes you want to take a break from the abundance of historical places in St. Petersburg. You can do this in Russian Disneyland: Divo-Ostrov. The park has been operating since 2003. Here is a well-groomed territory, located next to the Gulf of Finland.<\/p>\n

      The air is filled with the aroma of pine needles, mixed with the salty wind of the Baltic. Squirrels run along the alleys, willingly accepting treats. 50 attractions<\/a> will be interesting for children and adults.<\/p>\n

      Planetarium<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      The city planetarium has been operating since 1959. Today it is one of the three largest planetariums in the country. The program is offered rich: adults and children will definitely find something to their liking. The halls have interactive simulators with which you can see the stars and galaxies.<\/p>\n

      But that's not all: here you can celebrate a birthday or conduct a quest. And what could be more unusual than a romantic date surrounded by stars, comets and planets. Hungry tourists can have a bite to eat in the cafe, which offers dishes of Russian and European cuisines.<\/p>\n

      Dolphinarium<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      If you need relax<\/a>ation after a day full of excursions, there is no better place to find a dolphinarium. You can watch the performance here:<\/p>\n

      Animals demonstrate unusual tricks under the guidance of trainers. The performance can be filmed, and after the end you can swim surrounded by friendly Black Sea dolphins. The only inconvenience: strong spray that douses the guests sitting in the front rows.<\/p>\n

      Park named after the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg<\/h2>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      This is an ideal place for relaxation and leisurely walks. The park is located in the north-west of St. Petersburg and adjoins the Neva Bay. The complex was laid in 1995, and by 2003 the storm sewer was reconstructed, the shore was strengthened, lawns were laid out, and volleyball courts were built.<\/p>\n

      Throughout the territory there are alleys with fountains, flower beds, benches for rest. There is even a small apple orchard (the trees were donated to the city by the people of Helsinki). Interesting events are regularly held on the territory for guests and residents of the city.<\/p>\n

      \"What<\/a><\/p>\n

      Route<\/a> around St. Petersburg for 1 day on the map<\/h2>\n