Once Russia’s capital, St. Petersburg is a fabulous city with European flair, and a heart made of pure Russian culture. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great, St. Petersburg’s historic Baroque and neoclassical architecture the 18th and 19th centuries, has been largely preserved. A bustling maritime metropolis, the city is also a welcome change for Moscovites and other Russian travelers in search of a more European flair. A good way of capturing what this magnificent city is all about is to show you some highlights via Instagram.
A bustling maritime metropolis, the city is also a welcome change for Moscovites and other Russian travelers in search of a more European flair. A good way of capturing what this magnificent city is all about is to show you some highlights via Instagram.
St. Petersburg shares many common aspects of life in other world cities, including the way young people deal with snow on a hilly green space.
One of the city’s most iconic attractions is the Church of the Savior on Blood below, which was built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was fatally wounded in March 1881.This wonderful church was built between 1883 and 1907. The view you see is from the Griboyedov Canal, famous for many reasons, but usually for its many ornate bridges.
St. Petersburg in the haze, like any large city there is a sort of surreal essence to the place even on its ugliest urban face. The image below perfectly reflects what I mean. At sunset, just before the night takes hold, the day makes any city look tired, almost forelorn.
This part of Russia is not as cold as some other regions, but it is very damp and frozen during the long Winter months. The Winter images always look a bit gloomy, reminding me of Germany as much as of Russia. Despite the gloom, there is plents of beauty year round here though.
When the sun does come out, visitors and locals see the shimmering beauty that the imperial family envisioned. Below, the Peterhof or Russian Versailles is one of the country’s most prized national treasures.
An overlook of the city on a clear day reveals the beauty of this place. No wonder the Czars made it their Winter home. St. Peterburg, sometimes called the “Venice of the North” is consistently one of Europe’s most popular destinations.
While most northern cities tend to be boring at times, St. Petersburg always seems to have something going on. And as for dancers to perform at exhibitions, not even Las Vegas can compete. Is this a mall?
Like I said from the beginning, St. Petersburg is probably the most “western” city in Russia. The Instagram from a cool young resident below attests.
