Destination: St Petersburg - a cultural feast

By: Pennies .
Submitted: 2008-06-25 16:59:01
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

It is often referred to as the Venice of the North or the Paris of the East. The city centre is set on the south bank of the Neva river.

Modern St Petersburg has no shortage of restaurants, and plenty of variety. Aside from traditional Russian restaurants, Chinese and Japanese cuisine is popular, with sushi a recent craze.

St Petersburg has a vibrant, varied nightlife ranging from opera and ballet to nightclubs, rock concerts, jazz clubs, and acid house raves. How ever, the scene is constantly changing with new venues opening and old ones closing. Most of the decent night life is in the city centre.

The local currency is the ruble. The market near the Spilled Blood Cathedral offers every thing from matrioshka dolls to hand-painted lacquer boxes in a wide range of quality and prices.

The main square of St Petersburg is one of the world's most magnificent plazas. Palace Square contains the picturesque Baroque buildings of the Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum on one side and the Classical yellow and white former General Staff buildings of the Russian army on the other. The main point of the square is the Alexander Column, a tall monolith of red granite topped by a cross and the statue of an angel, dedicated to the Russian military victory in the Napoleonic wars. Palace Square has been the site of numerous political protests, most notably the demonstrations of Bloody Sunday in 1905 that started the first Russian Revolution. Today the square, with the views of the Admiralty's golden spire and the dome of St Isaac's Cathedral from across the vast stone paving, is filled with markets, outdoor cafes and the sound of horse-drawn carriages.

The Bronze Horseman, on Senatskaia Ploschad Square, facing the Neva River and surrounded by the Admiralty, St Isaac's Cathedral. The monument was built by order of the Empress Catherine the Great as a tribute to her famous predecessor on the Russian throne, Peter the Great. According to a 19th century legend, enemy forces will never take St. Petersburg while the Bronze Horseman stands in the middle of the city. During the Second World War the statue was not taken down, but was protected with sand bags and a wooden shelter.

Russia is a favourite with Pennies who organises tours and writes travel guides on the country. She recommends www.fly.co.uk when travelling.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Destinations category

  • An Unforgettable Stay in Georgetown Washington DC - By: Benicio Brown
    If you are looking for a true taste of Washington DC, then Georgetown is definitely the place for you. Read the following article to learn more about Georgetown, its attractions, how to plan the perfect stay, and more.
  • Car Hires In Majorca - It's truly the most easiest way to scour the island - By: Larry Austin
    Designated as a fun and memorable place to enjoy a vacation, Majorca is a destination that is a must visit. Whilst many are under the impression that transport in one of the largest Balearic Islands is difficult, this is a sound misconception. Having been a Roman colony for many years in the past, Majorca offers some of the best hotels and indeed absolute ease and convenience of travel around the entire island. There are also a myriad of ways to travel, yet the most popular is via car hire. And choice is not an issue since there are many rent-a-car companies in every single location throughout the isle.
  • The Historic City Of York - By: Jenny Andrew
    Visitors will find a wealth of attractions in the historical walled city of York. Popular with all ages, this city is over 2000 years old.
  • Experience the Mayan culture while volunteering in Guatemala - By: Enrique Helmbrecht
    Guatemala is one of the most important places in Latin America where Mayan influence and its legacy are still intact. By volunteering in Guatemala you will get a grasp of the unique local culture that retains much of the customs from centuries ago.
  • Architecture in Helsinki - By: Paul Scottyn
    Although it is also the name of a famous Australian pop group, architecture in Finland's capital expands beyond the four walls of Helsinki hostels.
  • What to do in Shibuya - By: Paul Scottyn
    As well as being home to some of the best Tokyo hostels, the Shibuya district is a must-visit for all travellers heading to Japan.
  • Adventurous Traveler - Experience an Adventure Tour - Tour Destinations in India - By: kimi pavati
    Amazon Adventurers offers adventure tours to adventure destinations in India. Their activities include trekking, nature camps, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, white water rafting and family camps. You can find the most exciting and sightseeing destinations in India in their tour itineries. Apart from the adventure tour activities Amazon Adventurers offers other tour packages to Andaman & Nicobar Island, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Kotagiri, Munnar, Coorg etc.
  • Puerto Aventuras - Adventure and Beauty - By: M Gravlee
    Puerto Aventuras is a marina community, built around a spectacular deepwater marina. If you are sailing down the coast, this makes a safe harbor for your stay. You'll also find that the area is convenient to Cancun and all the rest of the Riviera Maya. A short trip down the coast is all it takes to find the best resort community in the region.
  • Majorca - One Size Fits All - By: Larry Austin
    World renowned beaches, shopping, historical attractions, traditional Spanish cuisine, an ardent love for partying... These are but a few of the aspects which Majorca boasts of
  • The Louvre Museum In Paris, France - By: Martyn Davis
    There are many fabulous pictures of The Louvre, but most people recognise this Paris landmark by the large glass pyramid that is situated in the central courtyard and serves as the main entrance to the museum.