Peterhof
This was the masterpiece of Peter the Great, who built a palace and gardens based on the Versailles model, but with a few special additions of his own. A practical joker, he installed fountains that would splash anyone who walked down a certain path or sat on a certain bench. These can be viewed (and tested) by visitors today.
Museum of Artillery
A red brick building situated directly across the river from the Peter and Paul Fortress, this museum also contains many exhibits of military weapons, uniforms, and equipment, ranging from the middle ages to the twentieth century. There is also an impressive display of canons (some Russian, and some foreign, such as the ones taken as trophies from the Turks) on the grounds outside.
Peter the Great’s Summer Palace and Gardens
The Summer Gardens, located between the tiny rivers Fontanka and Moika and bordered by the Swan Canal, are a great place to retreat from the hurried pace of the city. The tall trees offer protection from the sun in the summer, and the multitude of marble classic-style statues and fountains are a feast for the eyes. Peter the Great’s Summer Palace, commonly known to the locals as “Peter’s Little House,” is a two-story building which now holds many of the objects formerly owned by one of Russia’s most famous monarchs.
The Hermitage Museum (Winter Palace)
With hundreds of different rooms and exhibits, this museum may take days to explore fully. Even with a map it's easy to get lost trying to navigate its three floors. Most of the exhibits are housed inside the Winter Palace, where many artifacts that had belonged to Tsars and courtiers are displayed. There are also the special exhibits such as the Gold Room and the Diamond Room, which are well worth the extra fees.
Tsarskoe Selo (Tsars' Village, also known as the Summer Palace)
This lavish palace contains amazing interiors. Those who love all things shiny will enjoy the golden leaves and cupids that adorn the walls of the grand ballroom. This palace is also home to the famous amber room. Fully restored since the World War II bombings and raids, its wall panels are built entirely of amber mosaic.
This was the masterpiece of Peter the Great, who built a palace and gardens based on the Versailles model, but with a few special additions of his own. A practical joker, he installed fountains that would splash anyone who walked down a certain path or sat on a certain bench. These can be viewed (and tested) by visitors today.
Museum of Artillery
A red brick building situated directly across the river from the Peter and Paul Fortress, this museum also contains many exhibits of military weapons, uniforms, and equipment, ranging from the middle ages to the twentieth century. There is also an impressive display of canons (some Russian, and some foreign, such as the ones taken as trophies from the Turks) on the grounds outside.
Peter the Great’s Summer Palace and Gardens
The Summer Gardens, located between the tiny rivers Fontanka and Moika and bordered by the Swan Canal, are a great place to retreat from the hurried pace of the city. The tall trees offer protection from the sun in the summer, and the multitude of marble classic-style statues and fountains are a feast for the eyes. Peter the Great’s Summer Palace, commonly known to the locals as “Peter’s Little House,” is a two-story building which now holds many of the objects formerly owned by one of Russia’s most famous monarchs.
The Hermitage Museum (Winter Palace)
With hundreds of different rooms and exhibits, this museum may take days to explore fully. Even with a map it's easy to get lost trying to navigate its three floors. Most of the exhibits are housed inside the Winter Palace, where many artifacts that had belonged to Tsars and courtiers are displayed. There are also the special exhibits such as the Gold Room and the Diamond Room, which are well worth the extra fees.
Tsarskoe Selo (Tsars' Village, also known as the Summer Palace)
This lavish palace contains amazing interiors. Those who love all things shiny will enjoy the golden leaves and cupids that adorn the walls of the grand ballroom. This palace is also home to the famous amber room. Fully restored since the World War II bombings and raids, its wall panels are built entirely of amber mosaic.
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