It had been one of the real hidden gems for the tourism business till the decline of communism in Eastern Europe, disguised by being assigned the name Leningrad - a name that conjured up images of a depressing Soviet metropolis. On the contrary that could not have been farther from the truth, as the city is filled with history and culture, & has beautiful architecture on every corner - even a few of the Metro stations are considered works of art.
St Petersburg, as it came to be known again in 1991, deserves to be regarded with Florence and Paris as one of the notable cultural hotspots of Europe, as you'll quickly find out when your liner docks in the metropolis.
It enjoyed its heyday in the eighteenth & 19th centuries, when the country's wealthiest people queued up to build amazing palaces and castles in what was then the capital of Russia. A pier as well as a waterside view were must-haves for any lavish dwelling at that time, as a result the vast majority of St Petersburg's greatest structures ended up being built around the banks of the River Neva or alongside its inland waterway system.
One of the top methods to enjoy the sights is by choosing a cruiser trip across the city, as it will grant you unhindered views of the eye-catching neoclassical architecture St Petersburg is so famous for.
In the company of the structures you will see on the granite embankments of the Neva is the magnificent Winter Palace. This luxurious building was formerly the official residence of the Russian king or queen & carries a special status in the country's history. It has been restored in recent times & at the present houses the intruiging Hermitage Museum.
A different highlight of the tour of St Petersburg's canels is positioned next to the Griboyedov Canal. The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, which is modelled on St Basil's cathedral in Moscow, is amongst probably the most opulent religious structures you may ever visit, with its fascia every bit as awesome as the interior.
It is also well worth keeping an eye out for Yusupov Palace, St Michael's Castle and Stroganov Palace as you journey round the city. However with landmarks lining the river banks and roads, your group won't ever be short of things to see in St Petersburg, whether or not you are exploring on foot or by boat.
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For the very best offers on deluxe Northern Europe cruises , get in touch with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to discover more on the subject of its cruise holidays to St Petersburg.
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