Peter and Paul Fortress: The Birthplace of St. Petersburg

The Peter and Paul Fortress is located on Hare Island in the center of St. Petersburg and is the city's birthplace. Built in 1703 by order of Peter the Great, it was initially constructed to defend against Swedish forces and later became a political prison of Tsarist Russia, where famous figures like Dostoevsky were once imprisoned. The Peter and Paul Cathedral within the fortress is renowned for its golden spire, the tallest bell tower in Russia, and serves as the burial site of Russian tsars, bearing witness to the rise and fall of St. Petersburg. 🕘【Opening Hours】: The fortress grounds are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Peter and Paul Cathedral is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays. The Prison Museum is open from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays. Recommended visit duration is 3-4 hours, with the evening offering stunning sunset views over the Neva River. Maintain silence inside the cathedral, and photography is prohibited in the Prison Museum. 💴【Ticket Prices】: The fortress grounds are free to enter. The Peter and Paul Cathedral costs 400 rubles, the Prison Museum 300 rubles, and a combined ticket (including both) is 600 rubles. ⛺【Attractions】: Peter and Paul Cathedral: The fortress's iconic landmark, featuring a 122-meter golden spire that pierces the sky. The interior is lavishly decorated with murals and chandeliers. The cathedral houses the tombs of Russian tsars from Peter the Great to Nicholas II, with solemn marble gravestones offering a window into Russia's imperial history. Neva River Battery: An ancient artillery battery along the Neva River, preserving 18th-century bronze cannons. A ceremonial cannon is fired daily at noon, a must-see (and hear) experience that echoes across the city. Prison Museum: Once a political prison during Tsarist Russia, its dim cells and cold iron bars recreate the harsh conditions of the past. Exhibits of prisoners' belongings and written records evoke a profound sense of historical weight. Fortress Wall Walk: The thick, sturdy walls encircle the fortress, offering panoramic views of the Neva River and St. Petersburg. The historic battlements and towers make for excellent photo opportunities. 🚌【Transportation】: Metro: Take Line 1 (Red Line) to "Gorkovskaya Station," exit via Gate 2, and walk 10 minutes to the fortress entrance. Alternatively, take Line 5 (Purple Line) to "Novaya Gollandiya Station" and walk 15 minutes. Bus: Take buses 3, 22, or 34 to the "Petropavlovskaya Krepost" stop, a 5-minute walk from the fortress. Ferry: Board a ferry from the Neva River piers to Hare Island (15-minute ride, 150 rubles), enjoying scenic river views along the way. 👉【Itinerary Suggestions】: Nearby Attractions: Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress in the morning, enjoy Russian seafood at a riverside restaurant for lunch, explore the Hermitage Museum in the afternoon, and witness the dazzling bridge openings along the Neva River during White Nights. Accommodation: Stay along the Neva River, such as at the "Courtyard by Marriott St. Petersburg Neva River," a 15-minute walk to the fortress with river views. For a central location, "Red Tower Hotel" is two metro stops away, with convenient dining and shopping options. 🧡【Travel Tips】: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the fortress features cobblestone paths. Bring sun protection in summer (strong UV by the river) and warm clothing in winter (windy and cold inside the fortress). Dress modestly for the cathedral (no shorts or short skirts; ladies may bring a shawl). Carry a camera and power bank—the fortress architecture and river views are photogenic, and you wouldn’t want to miss a shot due to low battery.