Saint Petersburg, Russia’ s “Venice of the North”.
St. Petersburg, the “Venice of the North”, is a historic and iconic Russian city, steeped in rich history, vibrant culture and extraordinary architectural splendor, and we’re going to devote a special article to it.
Histoire, position géographique et économique de Saint Pétersbourg.
St. Petersburg, the “Venice of the North”, was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, marking the beginning of a new era in Russian history by becoming the capital of Russia in 1712. Peter the Great’s aim was to make St. Petersburg a window on Europe, an imperial metropolis and a prosperous seaport. The city is strategically located at the mouth of the Neva on the Gulf of Finland, making it a crucial port on the Baltic Sea. This geographical position favored trade and reinforced St. Petersburg’s role as a gateway between Russia and Europe.
Due to its maritime location, St. Petersburg has played a central role in the Russian economy, particularly in international trade. The Baltic port facilitated trade and the import and export of goods, making a significant contribution to the national economy. During the imperial period, it was the heart of Russian industry, with factories, shipyards and significant technological developments in metallurgy. This industrial tradition continued into the 20th century, making St. Petersburg a major economic hub.
Today, St. Petersburg retains its status as a cultural and industrial center. In addition to its economic importance as a seaport, the city is a crossroads for industries such as aerospace, defense, energy and information technology. Foreign investment has also played a key role in the region’s economic development. The Neva, the river that runs through the city, is not only a geographical feature, but also a vital transportation artery. Not only does it support maritime trade, it also provides a majestic view of the city from its banks.
St. Petersburg is a fascinating city that combines a rich imperial heritage with a constantly evolving modernity. Its contribution to the Russian economy, its role as a vital seaport, and its status as a cultural center make it a dynamic and influential stronghold of contemporary Russia.
Saint Petersburg, sanctuary of history and faith.
As in the rest of Russia, religion is very much in evidence in the many cathedrals and churches that bear witness to the religious fervor that has always marked the life of the city and of Russia in general.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral, with its iconic golden dome, is an architectural masterpiece and a major place of worship. Its history dates back to the early 19th century, and its construction was marked by a series of significant events. The decision to build St. Isaac’s Cathedral was taken during the reign of Emperor Alexander I in the early 19th century. The idea was to create an imposing cathedral that would reflect the grandeur and power of Imperial Russia, rivaling the great cathedrals of Western Europe. The site chosen for construction was St. Isaac’s Square, historically a religious site. Construction began in 1818 under the direction of French architect Auguste de Montferrand, who had been invited by Alexander I to design this colossal monument. However, due to various technical and financial difficulties, the work was interrupted and significantly delayed.
During the reign of Nicholas I, successor to Alexander I, construction of St. Isaac’s Cathedral resumed with renewed energy. Montferrand continued to oversee the project, and the cathedral was consecrated on May 30, 1858, although interior decoration work continued for several years after this date.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece in the neoclassical style, characterized by its impressive central dome, one of the largest in the world. The dome is covered with almost 220 kilograms of gold. The cathedral is also adorned with massive Corinthian columns, detailed sculptures and spectacular interior mosaics. During the Soviet period, St. Isaac’s Cathedral underwent various transformations. It was transformed into a museum of atheism, then into a museum of the history of religion and atheism, before returning to its status as a place of worship after the fall of the Soviet Union.
The Cathedral of St. Saviour on the Blood-Verse was built on the exact site where Russian Emperor Alexander II was assassinated on March 1, 1881. The attack took place when members of the revolutionary group Narodnaya Volya (People’s Will) launched a bomb attack on the imperial carriage. The Emperor survived the initial explosion, but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards. In tribute to the memory of Alexander II, his son, Tsar Alexander III, decided to erect a cathedral at the precise location of the bombing.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1883 under the supervision of architect Alfred Parland. The building was designed in a style reminiscent of traditional Russian architecture, inspired in particular by the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed in Moscow. The Cathedral of the Savior on the Blood is distinguished by its colorful domes, walls adorned with detailed mosaics and spectacular overall appearance. A visit to this cathedral is a true feast for the eyes.
The Cathedral of the Savior on the Blood was completed in 1907, several decades after the tragic assassination of Alexander II. However, due to the political turmoil that followed the Russian Revolution of 1917, the building was closed to worship in 1932 and was used for a variety of purposes, including as a vegetable warehouse during the Soviet period.
Fortunately, the cathedral was preserved and restored after the fall of the Soviet Union. It reopened to worship in 1997, and has been fully restored to its original splendor. Today, it is one of St. Petersburg’s major landmarks, with its remarkable architecture and poignant history, recalling the vicissitudes of Russian history during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Neva, a capricious river.
The Neva, the “River of the Empire”, offers breathtaking views of the city’s architectural treasures. The quays offer unique views of the Winter Palace, the Peter and Paul Fortress and many other monuments that adorn the banks of this majestic waterway. Starry nights add a touch of magic to these unforgettable panoramas. The Neva is capricious, freezing in winter. During the siege of Leningrad by the German army from September 1941 to January 1944, the frozen Neva served as a communication route to supply the city and evacuate some of its inhabitants.
On the banks of the river, the Peter and Paul Fortress, located on Hare Island, is one of St. Petersburg’s most emblematic structures. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, the fortress has a rich history and has played a crucial role in the development of the city and Russian history. Construction of the fortress began on May 27, 1703, the very day St. Petersburg was founded. The chosen site was strategic, as it controlled access to the Gulf of Finland, thus ensuring the security of the fledgling city. The fortress was also intended to protect Russia from Western invasion.
The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, located within the fortress, was one of the first buildings to be constructed. Designed by Domenico Trezzini, it is Baroque in style and houses the tombs of members of the Russian imperial family, including Peter the Great. The fortress was also used as a political prison, notably during the reign of Peter the Great and in subsequent centuries. Some famous prisoners were held here, including the writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The fortress thus had a dual function, symbolizing both imperial power and the harshness of the regime.
The Bridge of Sighs, a footbridge linking the fortress to the south bank of the Neva, is a popular landmark offering spectacular views of St. Petersburg. Over the centuries, the fortress has undergone various modifications and uses. It has been the center of several revolts and military mutinies. During the Soviet period, the Peter and Paul Fortress was a symbol of Communist power, and some buildings were used for military purposes.
Today, the Peter and Paul Fortress is a museum. In addition to the cathedral, the site houses several exhibitions devoted to the history of the fortress and the city. The outdoor spaces, ramparts and historic buildings make the fortress a unique and romantic place to stroll.
Hermitage Museum: a treasure trove of art and history.
The history of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg dates back to Russian imperial times. Founded in the 18th century, it is now one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums. The Hermitage Museum has its roots in the private collection of Tsarina Catherine the Great. In 1764, she acquired an important collection of works of art, including paintings, sculptures and precious objects. This private collection served as the basis for the creation of the museum.
The decision to open the collection to the public was taken in 1852 by Emperor Nicholas I, transforming the Hermitage Winter Palace into a museum accessible to all. Visitors could now admire the artistic and cultural treasures gathered over the centuries by Russian sovereigns. Over the years, the museum has undergone spectacular growth, incorporating new buildings and expanding its collection. Construction of the museum’s north wing, known as the New Hermitage, began in 1839 and added a considerable dimension to the exhibition space.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 brought significant changes to the status of the Hermitage Museum. Some collections were nationalized, while others were moved for security reasons during the Russian Civil War. However, the museum continued to operate and expand its collections under Soviet rule. During the Second World War, many works of art were evacuated from the museum to protect them from the ravages of the conflict. Some of the treasures were stored in safe havens, preserving much of the collection.
After the war, the Hermitage Museum enjoyed a period of renaissance, continuing to acquire important works of art and expand its exhibitions. International cultural exchanges also helped to reinforce the museum’s status as a world-renowned venue. Today, the Hermitage Museum is an impressive complex housing an eclectic collection spanning a vast period of art history, from antiquity to the present day.
The Carl Peter Fabergé Museum.
We can’t leave the theme of works of art without mentioning the Fabergé Museum, dedicated to the work of the famous Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, founder of the House of Fabergé. It was inaugurated in 2013 in the Shuvalov Palace, a historic 18th-century building in central St. Petersburg.
The museum ‘s collection includes an impressive selection of works by the House of Fabergé, including the famous Fabergé eggs. These eggs, created as Easter gifts for the Russian imperial family between 1885 and 1916, are masterpieces of goldsmithing and craftsmanship. Each egg is unique and often contains surprises or elaborate miniatures inside. In addition to the imperial eggs, the museum exhibits a variety of other Fabergé creations, ranging from exquisite jewelry to decorative art objects.
The charm, romance and serenity of Saint Petersburg.
There’s much more to St. Petersburg than its imposing monuments. Parks such as the Summer Garden and Alexander Park offer havens of peace in the midst of urban bustle. These green spaces, adorned with sculptures and fountains, invite relaxation and contemplation, creating a harmony between man and nature.Finally, the romantic essence of St. Petersburg permeates every cobbled street and bridge. The city has been a source of inspiration for many artists, writers and composers. Its grandiose architecture, romantic canals and white nights evoke a daydream, making the city a cradle of Russian cultural art.
Saint Petersburg is a window on the Russian soul, harmoniously blending its history, culture and natural splendour. Every street tells a story, every church offers a silent prayer, and every bridge connects the past to the present, making this city a living treasure of Russia engraved in the memory of those who have visited it. The only regret I had after my stay in this city was that I left too soon.
Saint Petersburg (Russia) – January 2018
