Saint Petersburg Sights and Landmarks Guide, Russia

The Gorod Muzei; Museums and Parks Set the Mood for the First Time City Visitor

The city of St. Petersburg is an old one; in fact the city is more than three hundred years old. But don’t let the age of the city give you ideas of boredom. In fact, its age is what makes St Petersburg a vibrant city and a city that's a must-visit for first time travelers and for those who seek pleasure and cultural education.

The city is unlike most European cities that are characterized by vibrant skylines that are dotted with high rises. Right now, the city is not littered with high rises that visitors can check and visit. The reason for this is the fact that the city government has set regulations that establish the maximum height of these buildings. The tallest building that can be seen in the city is Saint Petersburg that rises up to 310 meters.

Another project is in the works and it is expected to define St Petersburg’s skyline; that building is the Okhta Center and it is expected that a 396 meter tall building will be constructed. This move was seen as a threat to the skyline of St Petersburg that's why; in 2008, the city's skyline will be included in the listing of endangered sites by World Monuments Fund.

It isn't the only the skyline of St Petersburg that can satisfy the curiosity of the first time city visitor. The city also plays host to a number of tourist spots and sights. The sights and the spots that can be seen in St Petersburg can be grouped and classified into six categories. These include bridges, the monuments, religious buildings and historical sites, museums, parks and islands. Among these categories, St. Petersburg is more known for its religious buildings and sights. The city plays host to the oldest of the remaining building, the wooden house that was built for Peter I in 1703. The city is also the location of the famous monument like St. Isaac's Cathedral and other smaller yet significant churches.  The ornate design and charms of Petrine Baroque will surely catch the fancy of most visitors.

It is in this city that many of the most beautiful churches in Russia are found. The Cathedral Sts. Peter and Paul is perhaps the most striking church in the city and a must visit for first time visitors. This church is the oldest in the city and the second-tallest after the television tower. Looking at this church, the visitor will not only admire the aesthetics value of the church, but he can also learn more about Russian history since this building is linked to the Romanov dynasty. This is also the home of the graves of a number of Russian rulers.

A trip to the city wouldn't be complete if you don't see the parks that dot the city. In fact, the city is called the Gorod Muzei or the museum city by the locals. Monuments also mark the city and the visitor will surely find that a day in St. Petersburg is not enough to cover all the good things related to the city.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Saint Petersburg
ask now

Things about Saint Petersburg you may be interested in

• Saint Petersburg Travel tips

 

+ list your site

 

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a reviewWrite a travel tip

 

 

Read our members' reviews about Saint Petersburg

No reviews have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.

 

Read our members' travel tips about Saint Petersburg

• Summer Garden
  travel tip by tibi60 posted more then 30 days ago
  Peter the Great did many great things (no pun intended), and this amazing garden is one of them. The emperor was actually involved in planning the garden, and he did a pretty good job of it. Apart from the park's amazingly ordered...

view all

 

 

Community

Members Who Have Been to Saint Petersburg

See who has been to Saint Petersburg and ask them a question (membership required)

Ivan ask a question add to friends

Ruslan ask a question add to friends

Forester76 ask a question add to friends

joska ask a question add to friends

 

show all

 

Community Galleries About Saint Petersburg

Browse our members' Saint Petersburg galleries to get a better impression of the place

view gallery

 

show alladd gallery

 

 

the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...