St. Petersburg, Zayachy Island

The Peter and Paul Fortress on Zaychy (Hare) Island by the bank of the Neva River is citadel of Saint Petersburg. It was established by the Peter I  on May 1703 to protect Saint Petersburg form the Swedes. Although it was build for defense during the Great Northern War (1700-1721), the fortress used as government departments and jail for political prisoners until 1920.

The Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg

In our days the Peter and Paul Fortress is Saint Petersburg Museum History. The most attractive building for travelers in fortress is the Saints Peters and Paul Cathedral, which is the oldest church in Saint Petersburg.

The Peter and Paul Cathedral

The Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral was designed in Petrine Baroque by the Swiss – Italian architect Domenico Trezzini. This rectangular shaped church with the cathedral bell tower is the influence of architecture of the protestant churches. The figure of a golden angel holding a cross on top of the cathedral  is the most recognized symbol of Saint Petersburg. This cathedral is houses of tombs of the  Romanov monarchs.

Entrence in The Peter and Paul Fortress

Nevsky Bridge to The Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Cathedral, St. Petersburg

Visit this the most recognizable symbol of St. Petersburg, explore this charming the Peter and Paul Cathedral  and enjoy the great views on Neva river.