Where to start getting acquainted with the island city?
Start your trip by visiting St. Nicholas Cathedral on Anchor Square, the last and largest maritime cathedral built in the Russian Empire, whose cruciform dome served as a symbol of the sea and welcomed sailors returning from their voyages.
The temple was not built just for prayer; It became a monument to all fleet ranks who died at sea while performing military duty. There are black marble plaques along the perimeter with the names of all the martyred officers. The lower ranks were indicated by numbers, except for those who performed extraordinary achievements. The names of the deceased ship priests are written on the white boards on the walls of the altars.
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Admission to the Naval Cathedral is free. Those who want to learn the history of the temple, look at the temple from above and examine the impressive ceiling paintings in detail can pay for one of the sightseeing tours, climbing under the dome or climbing the bell tower. approximately once an hour.
Once upon a time, anchors were kept in the city’s main square. This is how the name appeared – Anchor. The unique cast iron cladding of the square has been preserved, and when you ascend to the cathedral platform with the bell, the anchor pattern placed in the center can be seen.
Japanese dragon shaped wave
On Yakornaya Square there are two iconic monuments – admirals Ushakov and Makarov – and the Eternal Flame on the mass grave of those killed during the revolution and Civil War.
The bronze monument to Vice Admiral Makarov, outstanding naval commander, inventor, explorer and military governor of Kronstadt, who died tragically during the Russo-Japanese War, is striking in its scale and expressiveness. At the feet of a naval officer standing on a rock pedestal, a wave in the shape of a Japanese dragon leaps and drags the brave commander into the depths of the sea.
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The monument to the legendary Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, opened in 2015, is located at the northern entrance of the Naval Cathedral. A true patriot of Russia, the only naval commander in the world who did not lose a single battle or lost a single ship, he was canonized in 2001.
If you walk from Anchor Square towards the sea, you will find yourself in Petrovsky Park and close to Kronstadt and St. You will see a monument to Peter I, the founder of St. Petersburg, overlooking the sea and the fleet that was so dear to the emperor’s heart: just behind it is the park, Petrovskaya Pier, where you can look at the ships and take photos. The Baltic Fleet’s combat, training and research ships are still based in Kronstadt.
The Naval Victory Museum (Citadel Highway, 18), whose exhibition complex widely uses an innovative, immersive format, undoubtedly deserves special attention. Holographic exhibits, interactive displays, working models and access to most exhibits will appeal to adults and children alike.
Using modern technologies, you will explore the history of the emergence and development of the Russian Navy from sailing ships to nuclear-powered ships, learn about the reforms of Peter I and the military skills of Russian sailors, the discovery of the vastness of Russia. Gain insight into the Arctic Ocean and its underwater depths, maritime affairs and communications systems, from signal flags to satellite communications systems.
The dominant element of the museum, semantically and architecturally, is the first Soviet nuclear submarine, K-3, whose internal exhibition was recently opened for viewing. The compartments of the boat have been restored with maximum historical accuracy, and the interiors seamlessly combine modern technologies with original artifacts that tell not only about the technical structure of the nuclear submarine, but also about the life of submarines, their difficult service and exploits.
new attraction
Next to the Naval Glory Museum is the Forts Island park. In a huge area of \u200b\u200b10 hectares, you can not only walk, enjoying the beautiful views and refreshing sea air. Until February 24, 2024, you can participate in the “Sea Winter Tale” entertainment program, ride on the scuba hill and try your luck at the award-winning shooting range. The picturesque places of the park have everything for amazing photo shoots. The Zero Kilometer art objects, the Golden Compass or the statues of seals and seagulls in the Rock Garden, as well as the open-work Memory Lantern and a panoramic swing, will remain in your photographs as a reminder that you must come back here.
For those who want to test their dexterity, the rope park is open on weekends and holidays during the winter months. Children will also enjoy the well-equipped themed playgrounds and swinging ship.
When you arrive at the Alley of Heroes, you will feel as if you are walking through a timeline: looking at the drawings, plans and artifacts exhibited in special niches, you will experience the history of the Russian fleet from the time of Peter the Great. Today, tributes are paid to Russia’s outstanding naval commanders and sailors.
The all-season food court in the central square of the park offers popular St. It is home to St. Petersburg cafes and restaurants. Here you can have a quick snack, drink coffee and donuts, warm up after a walk in the Baltic wind, or have a leisurely lunch while enjoying the panoramic views of the park. And the cafe-ship with an observation deck will attract not only children but also adults.
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In the “Castle Island” park there is a pavilion of the City Tourist Information Office, where you can get a free map of the city and information booklets about its attractions, get information about current events and buy tickets for excursions and events. The bureau’s experts will help you plan your route and guide you to St. It will give information about the most interesting tourist products of St. Petersburg and Kronstadt.
There is an unusual attraction in Kronstadt, not far from Gostiny Dvor, where not only tourists but also city residents come. The charming, smiling, four-metre-tall Wishing Tree with eyes and big ears was created from cast iron by local blacksmiths and, as they say, grants the most secret wishes as long as they remain unheard by outsiders. Those who return to the tree throw a coin into the owl’s nest and circle the tree three times clockwise. To be absolutely sure of the result, you should rub the nose of the fawn standing next to you.
You can expand the cultural program and visit the very small Baltic Fleet Drama Theater, which successfully stages performances for adults and children. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the show, one hour before the start of the show, on the theater’s website or at the theater itself.
Dress warmly – remember, Kronstadt is on an island exposed to harsh Baltic winds and the weather is always colder here than on the mainland. Be prepared for the fact that the trip will have to be planned all day, and believe me, this day will be eventful and unforgettable. And if you want to stay in Kronstadt, you can book a room in a comfortable hotel that suits your taste and budget.
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St. for at least a few days. Come to St. Petersburg or plan 2-3 day themed trips to avoid information chaos and immerse yourself in a St. Petersburg tour. Enjoy discovering a new side of this beautiful city, little by little each time, feeling like a St. Petersburg native.
And let such trips to St. Petersburg become a tradition for you, and let the reasons for coming to the city on the Neva be very different – a theater premiere or book festival, a sports match or competition, a romantic walk along the rivers and canals or an interesting exhibition. It will also help you navigate the kaleidoscope of offers, learn more about classic attractions and objects of new tourist geography. visit St. Petersburg.
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Source: Gazeta
Brandon Hall is an author at “Social Bites”. He is a cultural aficionado who writes about the latest news and developments in the world of art, literature, music, and more. With a passion for the arts and a deep understanding of cultural trends, Brandon provides engaging and thought-provoking articles that keep his readers informed and up-to-date on the latest happenings in the cultural world.