Excursion tour in Saint Petersburg. Top architecture - monuments, castles, temples and palaces

» The Saint Isaac Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in St. Petersburg and the unique architectural structure dominating in the downtown.
» The height of the cathedral is 101.5 m, the length and width is about 100 meters.
» The building of the cathedral is decorated with 112 monolithic granite columns of different size; statues representing 12 of the Holy Apostles are located on the corners and the tops of the gables.
» The Saint Isaac Cathedral has the unique collection of monumental painting of the first half of the 19th century, 150 panels and pictures.
» Construction of the cathedral lasted as much as 40 years. This was due to the fact that a soothsayer predicted to architect Auguste Montferrand his death immediately after the completion of the Saint Isaac Cathedral. Therefore, the architect didn’t rush with construction; he really lived a little less than a month after consecration of the cathedral.

» The Winter Palace is the former grand residence of Russian emperors.
» Currently, the Winter Palace is part of the State Hermitage Museum and is the largest building of the museum complex.
» The building of the Winter Palace consists of 1,084 rooms, 1,945 windows and 117 stairs (including secret ones).
» The most important events related to the history of Russia are associated with the Winter Palace, as private life of Russian monarchs took place there.
» Surviving palace interiors have not only artistic, but also historical value.

» The Kazan Cathedral is the outstanding monument of architecture and fine art in Russia.
» The cathedral was built in the first half of the 19th century in the Empire style imitating the temples of the Roman Empire.
» The Kazan Cathedral is richly decorated outside and inside with sculptures created by Russia's best sculptors.
» An integral part of the interior of the cathedral is painting of the iconostasis of, the walls, and dome poles.
» The main treasure of the temple is a revered copy of the Our Lady of Kazan.

» The Alexandrinsky Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in Russia that has survived to these days.
» This theater is considered the mother of all Russian theaters and the date of its foundation is a birthday of Russian professional theater.
» The Alexandrinsky Theatre premiered almost all works by Russian drama classics.
» After the reconstruction in 2005-2006, the Alexandrinsky Theater was restored in its historic appearance.
» Currently, the Alexandrinsky Theatre has become one of the most advanced venues in terms of modern engineering of stage.

» The Smolny Cathedral is part of the architectural ensemble of the Smolny Convent.
» The cathedral was built only in 1835, although its construction began, when Elizabeth was the heiress to the throne in 1748.
» Currently, the Smolny Cathedral is also a concert venue of classical music.
» The monastery built in the style of magnificent baroque has Greek cross form with a central cathedral inside and four churches in the corners.
» The Smolny Cathedral is one of the pinnacles of world architecture notable for its picturesque expressive compositions and outdoor decoration.

» The Trinity Cathedral is the architectural monument of late classicism. It got its name by Izmailovo Regiment, one of the oldest in Russia.
» The cross-shaped stone cathedral is crowned with five massive domes. The dome is painted with gold stars on a blue background on the personal instructions of Nicholas I given in 1826.
» The temple was built in the Empire style.
» At the time of the consecration the cathedral was the largest in Russia. Today, the temple can accommodate more than 3,000 people.
» One of the most revered shrines of Trinity Cathedral is the icon of the Holy Trinity painted in the 15th century.

» The Yubileyny Sports Palace is one of the most popular sports and entertainment facilities in the center of St. Petersburg.
» The sports facility accommodating 7,012 visitors has diameter of 94 meters.
» The complex was built in 1967 and was named in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Soviet authorities.
» There is the indoor ice rink open for the public as a part of the sports complex, as well as various sports and athletic dancing groups.
» From 2007 to 2009, Yubileyny Sports Palace was renewed. Currently, the complex regularly hosts not only sporting events, but also concerts, exhibitions and corporate events.