Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg

Known as the "Venice of the North," Saint Petersburg is world-renowned for its countless canals and over 400 bridges — a significant outcome of the grand urban planning initiated under Peter the Great in 1703. The city was later renamed Leningrad (in the former Soviet Union) and is closely associated with the October Revolution. Its architectural heritage displays remarkable harmony with Baroque and pure neoclassical styles, as seen in landmarks such as the Admiralty, the Winter Palace, the Marble Palace, and the Hermitage Museum.

Construction of Peterhof began in 1714. Located in the suburbs of Saint Petersburg, the stunning imperial estate of Peterhof features breathtaking fountains and artificial waterfalls that leave visitors awestruck. Within its 21-hectare garden, there are numerous cascades and fountains, some of which are designed to spray water unexpectedly, drenching unsuspecting tourists. The largest waterfall descends down seven wide terraces, with fountains, gilded classical statues of gods and heroes on each level. Samson from the Old Testament is depicted atop a grand basin, forcefully prying open the mouth of a lion from which a 20-meter-high water jet shoots into the air. The surrounding area sparkles with flying water droplets, rockeries, seashells, water nymphs, and the sea god Triton playing his horn, all joyously celebrating in wild abandon.

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments Must-visit reason: Russia’s most spectacular artificial waterfalls