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The Peter & Paul Fortress is the oldest building in Saint Petersburg, with construction beginning in 1703. Peter the Great intended it to be a defense against the Swedes, but Russia defeated Sweden before its construction was completed. As such, this fortress has never been used in the city's defense. A larger version of this picture is available in the wallpaper gallery. Click on any photo to see the full-size image. Need help? |
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When I first started studying Russian back in 1983, we would receive lessons in Russian history as well. For some reason, this fortress always fascinated me—probably more because of its beauty than anything else. Whatever the reason, it was a huge thrill to finally see it for myself. I probably took far more pictures of it than I really needed to, but I think you'll agree it's very photogenic. |
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The main use of this fortress up until 1917 was
as a prison. Famous inmates included Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Maksim
Gorkiy, Lev Trotsky, and Aleksandr Ulyanov, older brother of Vladimir
Lenin. |
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The
tall spire of the SS Peter & Paul Cathedral
is the most obvious feature of the fortress. It helps define the
Saint Petersburg skyline, along with the spire of the Admiralty and
the dome of St Isaak's Cathedral. |
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Approaching the fortress from Petrograd Side.
The fortress sits on Zayachiy Ostrov (Rabbit Island). |
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As you cross the bridge onto Rabbit Island, you
are greeted by this little guy to your right. |
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A view across the Neva River from the bridge
to Rabbit Island. The Troitskiy Most (Trinity Bridge)
is to the left. |
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Inside
the Peter & Paul Fortress. |
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A
look at the spire of SS Peter & Paul Cathedral
from inside the fortress. |
An extremely controversial statue of Peter the Great by Mikhail Shemyakin, 1991. |
Peter & Paul
Fortress pg 1 2 3 | St
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