Saint Petersburg is packed with historical places, the result of being at the center of imperial Russia for centuries. The House of
Romanov spent plenty of money to show off their grandeur.
The Peter and Paul Fortress dates back to the founding of St Petersburg.
Its golden cathedral holds the marble coffins of most of the Romanovs, including that of Peter the Great himself.
Inside
the massive St Isaac Cathedral with its golden dome, colorful frescos and an impressice iconostasis dazzle the eye.
For
most visitors the Hermitage with its fantastic art collection is the highlight of the trip, reason why the place is often loaded
with people and one has to "fight" for a place to see more than a glimpse of the top pieces.
Menshokov's palace shows the grandeur
of the 18th century, especially the bedrooms that are decorated with Delft tiles.
Peter the Great's original modest summer
palace was constantly expanded and became Peterhof, a magnificent set of palaces, gardens and fountains.
inside the Hermitage the richly gilted Jordan Staircase leads to the second floor
here rests Peter the Great
the ceilings feature colorful frescos
the iconostasis inside the St Isaac cathedral features green malachite and precious blue lazurite columns
St Isaac's Cathedral with its golden dome
the Grand Cascade with the Morskoi Canal. Samson spouts the highest fountain
the gardens in the Peterhof are meticulously maintained
inside the Menshikov Palace this bedroom is fully covered with expensive Delft tiles
the gold covered Coat of Arms room was used for large and lush receptions
the iconostasis inside the cathedral is a huge goldplated wooden structure
the Peter and Paul fortress with the gilded spire of the cathedral, seen from the other bank of the Neva
Palace Square with the Alexander Column in front of the General Staff building
the Peter and Paul Cathedral with its gilted spire reaches 123 meters in the sky
the Hermitage seen from the Palace Square
the Grand Cascade features dozens of goldplated fountains
the throne in the Peter the Great room stands in front of a painting of Peter the Great with Minerva
