Explore More - 2019

ST. PETERSBURG Peter the

ST. PETERSBURG Peter the Great's city is a living, breathing museum of incredible architecture and imperial majesty, where tales of revolution and mystery can be found around every corner Founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, St. Petersburg is a young city in comparison to its European and even Russian counterparts. Despite this, it has built up a thrilling story as a center of intrigue, revolution and mystery. The first of Russia's many revolutions was the Decembrist Revolt of 1825, following the sudden death of Tsar Alexander I. From 1825 onward, St. Petersburg experienced a flourishing of the arts known as the Golden Age of Russian culture. Rapid industrialization ensued in the second half of the 19th century as peasants poured into the city in search of work after Tsar Alexander II abolished serfdom. In 1917 Tsar Nicholas II and his family were murdered by the Bolsheviks. Civil war raged across the country until Stalin crushed the rebels and took control. A harsh Soviet period followed; the revival of the city began only in 1991 when voters elected to restore the original name of St. Petersburg. Must-sees Whether you choose to visit in the midst of a romantic and snowy Russian winter or during the long summer months, you will be spellbound by the citys beauty and culture. St. Petersburg is known as the "City of 300 Bridges." Peter the Great invited architects Clockwise, from above: Catherine Palace; the intricate ceiling inside St. Isaac’s Cathedral; a view of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Neva River; the domes of the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood; a statue at Peterhof Palace and engineers from all over Europe to build him a new, incredible Western capital. First to be built was the Peter and Paul Fortress on Zayachy Island; its gold-spired cathedral boasts the world's 112 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE 2019

CITY GUIDE tallest Orthodox bell tower. Next up is glittering Peterhof Palace, which was created on the Gulf of Finland to rival the Palace of Versailles. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the middle of the 18th century, Peter's daughter, Elizabeth, commissioned the baroque Winter Palace, situated on the Neva River that flows through the heart of the capital. Make sure you visit St. Isaacs Cathedral to gaze up at its colossal dome. And possibly the sight that is most synonymous with St. Petersburg is the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood, with its colorful and swirling decorative onion domes. Shopping Head to the Kuznechny Market, where at the main entrance old ladies in Russian shawls sell woolen socks. Inside, Russian specialties such as caviar and cheeses are arranged in neat aisles waiting to be snapped up. For high-quality caviar, Yeliseev's Food Hall is the go-to for many Russian gourmands. Eating Discard dated stereotypes of flavorless but filling Soviet dishes and look forward to a range of establishments fit for a tsar, as well as cafés serving tasty traditional food. Quite possibly the best in Russia, the restaurant at the Grand Hotel Europe has a distinct atmosphere, as well as an amazing art nouveau interior and wonderful classical music performances. A charming little chain of pie cafés known as Stolle exemplify the city's new and relaxed approach to authentic Russian cooking. Do not leave without indulging in a hearty beef stroganoff or a blini, a thin pancake. Go online: Watch a video of the Waterways of the Tsars cruise at vrc.com/videos EXPLORE MORE 2019 | VIKING.COM 113