Peter and Paul Fortress

Peter and Paul Fortress

Peter and Paul Fortress is the birthplace of Saint Petersburg and forms the historical core of the city. It is one of the most distinctive architectural complexes in this renowned Neva River city. The fortress is a sturdy hexagonal citadel, with walls 12 meters high and 2.4 to 4 meters thick. It is the earliest built complex in Saint Petersburg, and the city itself developed from this foundation. For this reason, the foundation date of the Peter and Paul Fortress—May 16—is celebrated as the founding day of Saint Petersburg.

Resembling a battleship moored on the Neva River, the fortress features a church bell tower that soars towards the blue sky like a golden mast, gleaming in the sunlight. From any direction in Saint Petersburg, you can admire its majestic and towering silhouette. The main gate of the Peter and Paul Fortress is called the Peter Gate, adorned with numerous sculptures and reliefs from the early 18th century. Above the gate sits the double-headed eagle emblem of the Russian Empire, presenting a grand and imposing sight. Inside the fortress, you'll find landmarks such as the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, the bell tower, Peter the Great’s boat house, the mint, the arsenal, the Kronverk bastion, and the Monument to the Decembrists—all worth visiting.

Peter and Paul Fortress

Must-visit reason: The earliest architectural complex in Saint Petersburg

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Russia[Russia]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Saint Petersburg Autonomous City [Saint Petersburg]

City where the attraction is located: Saint Petersburg [Saint Petersburg]