Introduction
The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg is a remarkable cultural and architectural ensemble that reflects the city’s rich history, innovative urban planning, and artistic heritage. Founded by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, the city was designed to showcase Russia’s emergence as a modern European power. Over the centuries, it has grown into a magnificent metropolis filled with grand palaces, iconic squares, and scenic embankments, all of which contribute to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History
Founded by Peter the Great in 1703 during the Great Northern War against Sweden, the settlement was envisioned as both a formidable fortress and a modern European city. Domenico Trezzini, a close collaborator of Peter and a renowned architect, along with his successors, developed a master plan featuring three primary avenues converging at the Admiralty, direct routes on Basil’s Island, and panoramic embankments along the Neva River.
Construction continued after Peter I’s reign, with architects like Rastrelli, Quarenghi, Rossi, and Montferrand shaping the city’s squares, streets, and palaces, often decorated with granite and marble sculptures.
Today, the streets, avenues, and embankments constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries form the Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nevsky Avenue
Nevsky Avenue first appeared in 1710, born from the convergence of two historic streets: one extending from the Admiralty, symbolizing imperial grandeur, and another originating at the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, a spiritual beacon. Today, Nevsky Avenue stretches 4.7 kilometers as a vibrant artery of the city, lined with an eclectic tapestry of architectural styles—from Baroque palaces and neoclassical facades to modern storefronts.
Highlights along Nevsky Avenue include:
- Cafes and Restaurants: A variety of charming cafes, fine dining establishments, and lively bars offering traditional Russian cuisine and international flavors.
- Eliseevs' House: An opulent luxury grocery store with ornate interiors, showcasing a blend of shopping and architectural artistry.
- Kazan Cathedral: A stunning example of Russian Revival architecture and a spiritual landmark.
- Stroganoff Palace: A historic Baroque mansion now hosting cultural exhibitions and events.
- Zinger House: An architecturally significant building originally designed in the modernist style, now serving as a large bookstore, offering a vibrant cultural space for visitors and locals alike.
- Moskovsky Train Station: A major transportation hub providing train connection between St. Petersburg and Moscow.
- Hotels: Notable accommodations include the Grand Hotel Europe, renowned for its historic elegance and luxury, and the Corinthia Hotel, a grand hotel offering modern comforts and classic St. Petersburg charm.
The avenue’s lively atmosphere, illuminated by ornate lanterns and bustling crowds, makes it a cherished promenade that captures the essence of Saint Petersburg’s rich cultural mosaic.
Palace Square
Palace Square is the most grandiose square in Saint Petersburg, surrounded by the Winter Palace and the General Headquarters.
The square was planned during the construction of the Winter Palace. When the palace was completed, the area was filled with construction debris, which residents were allowed to take away for free, enabling quick cleaning.
At the center stands Alexander’s Column, a monument dedicated to the heroes of the 1812 war against Napoleon, created by Auguste de Montferrand. It is the tallest granite monolith column in the world, weighing 600 tons, topped with an angel with features resembling Alexander I.
The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island
The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, at the eastern tip of the island, is one of the most magnificent architectural ensembles in the city.
The first structures appeared here during Peter the Great’s era, as he envisioned creating a cultural and commercial hub on the spit. In the early 18th century, buildings such as the Exchange House, Customs, Kunstkamera (Cabinet of Curiosities), and the Academy of Sciences were constructed along the southern shore, while the northern side remained a port.
Between 1805 and 1810, French architect Thomas de Thomon designed the large Stock and Commodity Exchange, inspired by classical antiquity.
In front of it stand the Rostral Columns, artistically decorated lighthouses adorned with sculptures symbolizing major Russian rivers—the Volga, Dnieper, Neva, and Volkhov. Additional storehouses and customs buildings were constructed between 1826 and 1832.
Field of Mars (Marsovo Polye)
In the early 18th century, the area now known as the Field of Mars was a small, waterlogged land.
During Empress Elizabeth’s reign, the area was transformed into a park with alleys and trees, called the "Promenade." In 1805, it was renamed the Field of Mars and became the main square for military parades. Today, the square features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the Eternal Flame and memorials dedicated to the victims of the 1917 revolution.
