St Petersburg

As the former capital of the Russian Empire for over 200 years, St Petersburg remains today a crucial bridge between Russia and Europe. The interests of world politics, business and culture still meet on the banks of the River Neva.

St Petersburg has been recognised by UNESCO as a city of the 'world cultural legacy'. Thanks to its amazing architecture, cultural heritage and landscape art of the 18-19th centuries, the megapolis is the cultural capital of Russia; home to some of Russian's best architecture under the patronage of Peter the Great. Within these beautiful buildings you will be enchanted with Russia's finest art, opera, ballet and classical music.

Events calendar

Peter & Paul Fortress

Daily; not Wed, Peter & Paul Fortress

On the orders of Tsar Peter I, the Peter & Paul Fortress's foundation stone was laid on 27 May 1703 on the Zaiacy (Hare) Island and rapidly became a massive castle with six bastions, designed by Domenico Trezzini. Some 30 years later the central point was dominated by the 125.5 metre bell tower of St Peter & Paul's Cathedral (burial place of all but two of the Russian Tsars from Peter I), which from then on served as a look-out. Now housing various museums to the 300-year history of the city, celebrated annually on 27 May, the fortress ses a noon gun fired every day from the Naryshkin bastion. more »

Alexander Nevsky Monastery

Daily; not Tue or Sat, Alexander Nevsky Monastery

The Alexander Nevsky Monastery is home to some of the earliest buildings in St Petersburg, having been founded by Peter the Great soon after the city itself was founded in 1703. more »

International Winter Festival Arts Square

Dec 2008 - Jan 2009 (annual), St Petersburg

Under the auspices of Russian maestro Yuri Temirkanov, the International Winter Festival Arts Square in St Petersburg has become an annual new year feature since first held in December 1998. The 2007/2008 festival celebrates both the 125th anniversary of the founding of the fabled St Petersburg Philharmonic (of which Temirkanov is principal conductor) and the 75th birthday of the St Petersburg Symphony. Performances take place around the Arts Square in the heart of St Petersburg, particularly the Grand Hall of the Philharmonia. more »

See more events »

	Grand Hotel
	In 1991, the Grand Hotel Europe reopened as one of the world's great luxury hotels. more »

	L'Europe Restaurant
	L'Europe specialises in French and European cuisine, impeccably served in the lovingly restored Art Nouveau interior. more »

	St Petersburgh Cultural Heritage
	Stay at the Grand Hotel and visit the city's cultural highlights including the famous Hermitage museum. more »

	Host your event in St Petersburg
	Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel has long served as a venue for meetings, conferences, wedding and receptions. more »

	St Petersburg's Churches and Cathedrals
	Take a stroll down the avenues and explore this Russian cultural capital. more »

	Special Offers
	For more than a century the Grand Hotel Europe has stood at the center of St. Petersburg’s social, cultural and business life. more »

Language: Russian (official), English

Currency: Rouble

Climate: In summer, temperature rises and the season of the White Nights starts. The night sky never gets completely dark, giving the city a wonderful magical glow. In winter, the river Neva freezes over and a troika ride through the sparkling white city is a wonderful adventure.

Culture: St Petersburg offers visitors a rich cultural experience. Enjoy the many museums by day and performances by renowned musicians at night.

Places to visit: Peter and Paul Fortress - the Winter Palace - Summer Garden - St Isaac Cathedral - Monument of Peter the Great.

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