The Peter and Paul Fortress is located on Hare Island. It was founded in 1703 and is the historical core of Saint Petersburg. Its architect was the famous Domenico Trezzini, who made a significant contribution to the early construction and urban planning of Petersburg.
Interestingly, throughout its history, the Peter and Paul Fortress did not directly participate in military actions. It was primarily used as a political prison; at different times, its prisoners included the Decembrists and renowned cultural figures such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Nikolai Chernyshevsky.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Peter and Paul Fortress is by metro to Gorkovskaya station (blue line) or Sportivnaya station (purple line), followed by a short walk.
What to See
Currently, the Peter and Paul Fortress is part of the Museum of the History of Saint Petersburg. Admission to its territory is free. For convenience, an audio guide can be downloaded. Allocate several hours to explore the fortress. Here, you can admire the beautiful architecture of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial place of Russian emperors since Peter the Great's time. Opposite the cathedral stands a monument to Peter the Great, featuring his face cast from a death mask.
The fortress also houses numerous bastions from various historical periods, each with unique features. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Mint, where coins of the Russian Empire were minted. Pay special attention to the Nevsky Gate, where flood water levels during major floods are marked.
If a leisurely walk isn't enough, visit various museums (for an additional fee), such as those featuring wax figures, space exploration, and rocket technology, or climb onto the roof of one of the bastions. The fortress grounds also feature modern hare sculptures; it's quite interesting to try to find them all.
Additional Interesting Facts. The tradition of firing a cannon at noon is still upheld. Additionally, local residents, known as "walruses," swim in the coastal area of the fortress year-round. For good luck, visitors often toss coins at the hare sculpture from the Ioannovsky Bridge.
Regarding food, there are several fast-food establishments within the fortress, but prices are relatively high. It's better to have a meal at nearby cafes or Burger King right outside.
Bonus
Not far from the fortress, on the way to Gorkovskaya metro station, there is a small park with miniatures of the most famous buildings in Petersburg at a scale of 1:33.
Several summer photos of the Peter and Paul Fortress:
In summary:
- A great place for family outings;
- Ideal for exploring Russian history;
- Experience the spirit of Saint Petersburg.
