Travel to Russia

Dunes Golf and Country Club

Golf is still at an embryonic stage of development in Russia. This club was founded 4 years ago on the territory of the Soviet resort village 'Dunes', 38m kilometres north of the city centre. There is a driving range, putting green, executive golf course, a mini-golf course and 5 hireable cottages if you fancy staying the night. Membership options begin from a 2-month card, but visitors are also welcome. Thanks to the winter, the golf season here runs from the beginning of May until the end of November.

Peter and Paul Cathedral

This cathedral's monumental belfry, with its spire topped by an angel bearing a cross, is one of St. Petersburg's most distinctive landmarks. It stands at a height of 122.5 meters. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid in June of 1712 and the cathedral was inaugurated on June 29, 1733. There is also beautiful iconostasis, showcasing the finest traditions of Russian woodcarving.

Concerts at Jazz Philharmonic Hall

The ground floor of this famous club is the home of big band jazz in St Petersburg; upstairs, more intimate jazz concerts entretain those looking to escape from the crowds. The Philharmonic isn't crowded as other jazz clubs in the city, and it's far better appointed. The walls are decorated with pictures of the many jazz geniuses who played with club founder David Goloschokin.

Dvortsovaia Ploshchad'

Lined by the imperious Winter Palace and the sweeping majesty of the General Staff building, this square is one of the world's most impressive inner-city expanses. Like Red Square in Moscow, this open area has been a witness to the turmoil in Russian history. In 1905, the square played host to Bloody Sunday, when confused palace guards opened fire on peaceful demonstrators. During the Revolution of October 1917, the alleged "storming" of the Winter Palace was launched from the square , I do apologize for the small tiny picture, but I swear I didn't find another one, I will ask my family to send me one  and I will re-post it, you can't miss this espectacular bulding.

Prachechnyi Most

This bridge is located where Palace and Kutuzov embankments cross at the source of the Fontanka river. Built in the 1760s and it is one of the city's first stone bridges. The granite-covered bridge is one of the most important elements along the Neva's showcase embankments. Granite steps lead down from the bridge to the pavements. The bridge's humpedness is due to the softening up of the embankments while they were being built. The wooden pile supports were well past their sell-by date when they finally got replaced at the start of the 20th century but repairs didn't affect the bridge's historical appearance.

Preobrazhenskii Sobor (Cathedral of the Transfiguration)

The brightly-lit and bright yellow Cathedral of the Transfiguration was built by decree of empress Elizabeth on the same location where the Preobrazhenskii (Transfiguration) Regiment's Grenadier Company Palace had been. Built between 1743 and 1754. In 1825, the building burned down and was rebuilt between 1827-29, using the original walls, under the guidance of architect V.P. Stasov in classical style. It is dedicated to the military victory in the Turkish campaign of 1828-29. The cathedral is surrounded by a fence made from captured Turkish guns.

Prachechnyi Most

This cathedral's monumental belfry, with its spire topped by an angel bearing a cross, is one of St. Petersburg's most distinctive landmarks. It stands at a height of 122.5 meters. The first wooden church in the Peter and Paul Fortress was built in 1703. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid in June of 1712 and the cathedral was completed in 1732 and inaugurated on June 29, 1733. There is also beautiful iconostasis, showcasing the finest traditions of Russian woodcarving. It worth a few minutes of your attention, not to spend an entire afternoon though so it would be best if you have other things to do planned.

Isaakievskii Sobor (St. Isaac's Cathedral)

The panoramic view this place can offer you of the city is astounding. The interior of the church is also very classy and elegant without being too Byzantine and over the top like a lot of the other Russian Cathedrals. The stained glass windows are beautiful. Conveniently located in the center of town, it is also an ideal tourist site for those with mobility problems, although they won't be able to enjoy the catwalk.

Letniy Sad

The most amazing thing about the Letniy Sad are the beautiful statues. It is great in the summer time, when the swans are in the lake, and it is quite great to eat ice cream, as someone said it in the earlier review. However, the history goes beyond ice-cream. You have to be able to feel the atmosphere, and realize that you are walking in the footsteps of such great people as Pushkin, Tchakovsky, and the carzs. Or maybe remember the WWII, when Letniy Sad saved lives, by being the only place where people could grow vegetables, during the 900 days of hunger. It is more than a pice of history and great architecture. It is the heart of St. Petersburg. This amazing city has its own soul, that you can feel through its buildings. I strongly suggest that every one go to St. Petersburg. You'll never forget the unbaelivalbe journey, that will capure your soul.

St. Isaac's Cathedral

St. Isaac's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Saint Petersburg, and was the largest church in Russia when it was built with its 101.5m high, dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia. It took 40 years to construct, under supervision of Auguste de Montferrand, from 1818 to 1858, with a Late Neoclassical rendering of a Byzantine Greek church style.