Springtime in Russia: My Remarkable Journey – Day 3: An Unforgettable Memory

From the grueling journey of Big Brother and Little Sister in the style of "Russian Slad" to St. Petersburg.

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And took a leisurely stroll for a day.

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Today, we have already planned our itinerary and everyone knows their tasks. We woke up early and got ourselves ready to leave the accommodation on time. However, during this season, we don't need an alarm clock. The sunlight shining through the window at around 3:30 am wakes us up automatically every day. Even if we want to sleep longer, we can't because it feels strange to sleep when it's already bright outside.

Our first stop today is St. Isaac's Cathedral, which we were unable to visit yesterday. To purchase tickets early in the morning, we took the metro from Novocherkasskaya (Новочерка́сская) station to Admiralteyskaya (Адмиралте́йская) station.

That's Admiralty in the distance.

After a short walk, the majestic cathedral will come into view, welcoming your arrival. Upon reaching the cathedral, proceed to the side entrance, as the ticket booth is located there, not at the front. Since we arrived before the cathedral's opening time, we had to wait approximately 10 minutes. Therefore, we joined the queue for ticket purchase, which had not yet begun. Fortunately, the queue was not too long, and it gradually shortened once the booth opened. Ticket prices are divided into two categories: Ground for 250 RUB and Colonnaded for 150 RUB. We opted for the Ground option due to the hot weather, and we decided against climbing to the top.

With your ticket in hand, proceed to the queue for entry. To explore the interior, head left after ascending the cathedral's stairs. To access the Colonnaded area, turn right. If you encounter large tour groups, inform the staff, who will prioritize entry for smaller groups like yours.

Upon entering, the staff will immediately inform you that photography is permitted, but flash photography is prohibited. All tourists are awestruck by the magnificent and grandeur that unfolds before their eyes. The captured images, however, fail to convey even a fraction of the beauty that meets the eye. As you walk through the interior, the sacred atmosphere makes everything seem imbued with the spirit of its creators.

St. Isaac's Cathedral, built during the reign of Alexander I, took 40 years to construct, from 1818 to 1858. The cathedral features Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with 48 granite columns weighing 114 tons each. These columns are made of single, reddish-brown granite blocks, each at least 20 meters high.

The beauty of St. Isaac's Cathedral lies in its dome, which is made up of superimposed semi-circular arches in gold. The dome is 101.50 meters high and has a diameter of 25.8 meters. It is made of a special metal or iron. The dome is gilded with a mixture of mercury and gold. The dome is made of 420 tons of iron sheets, 49 tons of red copper, 990 tons of cast iron, and 30 tons of bronze. The outer dome is covered with red copper sheets and gilded with a mixture of mercury and gold three times, weighing a total of 100 kilograms.

Throughout its 40-year construction, mercury vapors claimed the lives of numerous workers who inhaled the toxic substance while gilding the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral. The construction cost a staggering 23 million rubles and employed 400,000 workers (according to National Geographic). The workers toiled tirelessly, and the interior and exterior decorations are exquisite, featuring murals, mosaics, sculptures, stained glass, and a base adorned with 12 statues of angels. A must-see is the largest icon in the country, depicting Saint Nicholas and Saint Peter. The mosaic's creation took years, with each square meter requiring a year's worth of work and over ten thousand colors.

The largest icon

The construction materials used are from various sources, especially marble, which is 14 types. All of them are valuable, rare, and very beautiful, such as white marble from Carrara, Italy, gray marble from Finland, green marble from Genoa, yellow marble from Siena, Italy, and red marble from France. The most prominent are the 10 Malachite columns with a diameter of 1.0 meter. They are rare stones from the Ural Mountains in Siberia. There are also two silver-purple columns with a diameter of 0.57 meters and a height of almost 5 meters. They are made of precious stones called Lapis Lazuli from Lake Baikal and Afghanistan.

Crafted from malachite (green stone) from the Ural Mountains and lapis lazuli (blue stone) from Lake Baikal, the St. Isaac's Cathedral stands as one of Russia's most magnificent cathedrals. It is also the most stunning cathedral in Saint Petersburg, often considered the fourth largest in the world and the second largest in Russia after the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. However, it is unclear if these rankings have changed, especially the global ranking, given the numerous constructions worldwide. The cathedral's name honors Saint Isaac the Confessor, the patron saint of Tsar Peter the Great, as they shared the same birthday.

Looking up at the underside of the dome, one can see a white dove made of pure silver. The white color of the dove symbolizes the pure spirit in heaven. The wingspan of the dove is 3 meters wide.

The white pigeon in the center.

We spent a considerable amount of time at this location, eager to savor every moment in this world-renowned beauty. We strolled around the area multiple times, taking in the sights and meticulously examining each detail. We then sat down and contemplated the scene, absorbing its essence before embarking on another exploratory walk. Such opportunities to witness such splendor are rare, perhaps occurring only once in a lifetime.

Souvenirs are also available for purchase.

After immersing ourselves in the world-renowned beauty, we opted to take the blue metro line to Gorkovskaya station (Го́рьковская) to explore the nearby attractions. This metro station was built to commemorate Maxim Gorky, a renowned Russian author.

Nearby park

The Grand Mosque of Saint Petersburg: A Sight to Behold

Our first stop was the magnificent Saint Petersburg Mosque (Санкт-Петербу́ргская мече́ть), a sight that captivated us with its vibrant colors. As we learned, this mosque holds the distinction of being the largest in Europe outside of Turkey, with a capacity of 5,000 worshippers. Intrigued by the separation of prayer spaces based on gender, with women on the first floor and men on the ground floor, we opted to admire the mosque's exterior rather than intrude upon this sacred space. The mosque's beauty, as we had witnessed online, was truly awe-inspiring.

From here, we continue to our next major destination, which is none other than the Peter and Paul Fortress. The fortress is located on a small island called Zayachy Island, which means "rabbit" in Russian. We will find rabbit statues scattered throughout the fortress. The island is located on the Petrogradsky side, connected by two bridges from the main island: the Kronverksky Bridge and the Ioannovsky Bridge.

The journey begins with a walk across the bridge, where the first rabbit to greet visitors resides. A tradition exists for visitors to toss coins into the water beside the rabbit. Legend has it that a successful toss ensures a return visit. Consequently, many tourists attempt to land their coins in the designated spot. If this were Thailand, boats would undoubtedly be waiting to collect the fallen coins as soon as they hit the water.

This is a Thai sentence that translates to "Come and try the accuracy."

This hexagonal fortress, constructed in 1703 during the reign of Peter the Great, served as a defense against potential Swedish invasion. However, upon completion, it remained unused as the anticipated Swedish attack never materialized. Subsequently, it was repurposed as a political prison. Today, it stands as the oldest landmark in Saint Petersburg, accessible via two bridges from the main island. Surrounded by a high fence, the island encompasses a cathedral, a church, and the fortress itself. This historic site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As I strolled across the bridge, I noticed people basking in the sun, soaking up the warmth of the approaching summer. Europeans are known for their love of sunbathing, eagerly awaiting the warmth after a long, cold winter. Some even took a dip in the water, though it didn't appear particularly clean. The majestic fortress, once a symbol of power, now seemed overshadowed by the surrounding atmosphere, transformed into a casual summer resort. One wonders how Peter the Great would react to this sight.

Urban sunbathing spot

This fortress houses a museum, the burial vault of Peter the Great and members of the Romanov dynasty, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral. Before entering the fortress, one must pass through the Petrovskiy Curtain Wall and Gate. This wall and gate were built to commemorate Russia's victory in the Great Northern War.

The double-headed eagle, a prominent symbol of Russia, embodies the vastness of the nation. Each head, facing opposite directions, signifies the country's guardianship over its territories, encompassing both the western and eastern regions.

The symbol of Russia can be seen above the door.

The statue of Peter the Great, which is said to be a true representation of his face, is located a short walk away. The face was cast using a mask of Peter the Great, while the body is not clearly defined. Many tourists believe that rubbing the hands of the statue will bring good luck. So, why not give it a try?

The path to Peter and Paul Cathedral

Peter the Great

The other side of the river is dominated by the Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in 1704. The cathedral is a Baroque masterpiece, with a 122.5-meter-tall bell tower that was once the tallest structure in St. Petersburg and remains a symbol of the city.

The bell tower of Peter and Paul Cathedral is unique and very beautiful when the setting sun hits the top. In front of the church is a large square used for various activities called Cathedral Square.

Bank of Russia

Visitors can purchase tickets at the Boat House, a small building located nearby. The combination ticket costs 600 RUB and includes entry to the Peter and Paul Cathedral, Grand Ducal Burial Chapel, Trubetskoy Bastion Prison, History of St Petersburg-Petrograd (1703-1918), and History of Peter and Paul Fortress. We opted for this option as it offered better value compared to the individual tickets for Peter and Paul Cathedral and Grand Ducal Burial Chapel, which cost 450 RUB each.

The boat house.

"With our tickets in hand, let's head inside the Peter and Paul Cathedral first. We'll visit the other attractions later."

The interior of Peter and Paul Cathedral was decorated by over 40 Moscow artisans, featuring intricate mosaics and dazzling chandeliers. The dominant colors are green and white, with gold accents adorning other areas.

This is the final resting place of the Romanov dynasty, including Peter the Great and his family, as well as the last Tsar of Russia. All the tombs are made of white marble and are housed in a museum. The tomb of Tsar Nicholas II and his family, who were murdered during the revolution in 1918, is located inside the St. Catherine's Chapel.

If you walk in the other direction, there is an exhibition about the burial of the deceased and various ceremonies held within this cathedral.

Having admired the beauty from here to our satisfaction, we walked along the long fence of the fort to see the location of the Trubetskoy Bastion prison, which was once used to detain prisoners.

The path to the Trubetskoy Bastion prison

This way please.

The Haunting History of the Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds within its walls a chilling history. Visitors can walk through the long corridors once traversed by weary prisoners, their faces and sentences displayed prominently outside their cells. Some have been incarcerated for decades, their stories etched in the very stones of the fortress.

The empty solitary confinement cells evoke a sense of eerie isolation, transporting visitors back to a time of hardship and despair. The starkness of the rooms is punctuated by documents, photographs, and personal belongings, offering a glimpse into the lives of these unfortunate souls.

The first prisoner, it is said, was Tsarevich Alexei, the eldest son of Peter the Great. Their conflicting political views led to his imprisonment within these very walls.

While the fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, its haunting atmosphere is undeniable. The presence of fellow tourists and the bright sunshine provide a welcome distraction, but one can only imagine the chilling effect of exploring the fortress at dusk, when shadows lengthen and the stories of the past come alive.

The prisoner's uniform.

Thinking of the biting cold, I wonder how the prisoners are doing.

Simulate the warden's event for you to watch.

Prisoner shower room and exercise yard

The punishment of prisoners

Subsequently, visitors can explore museums dedicated to the history of the fortress and St. Petersburg. These museums showcase artifacts, materials, and tools that vividly illustrate the stories of St. Petersburg and the fortress.

This museum chronicles the history of the fortress.

A collection of historical artifacts.

The artifacts on display provide a glimpse into the lives of people in the past.

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The rabbit statue is commonly seen.

After visiting all the attractions included in their ticket, they walked outside the walls to admire the view of the Neva River. They could see the Trinity Bridge (Тро́ицкий мост) and the Winter Palace (Зи́мний дворе́ц), now known as The State Hermitage Museum (Зи́мний дворе́ц), which is ranked as one of the largest and oldest museums in the world.

You can walk along the outer wall.

The Holy Trinity Bridge

The State Hermitage Museum

After admiring the view for a while, we walked along the wall and returned to the front. Then we crossed the Trinity Bridge back to the city to admire the beauty of The Hermitage up close. However, for today, we probably won't have the chance to enter because there is only about an hour and a half left before it closes. It is open from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm. And our trip here will probably not have the chance to visit because tomorrow is Monday, which is the day it is closed. Therefore, we will only admire the beauty of the building and the exterior architecture. This time, we will have to come back to fix it. This museum was actually born in 1764 because it was the first year that Empress Catherine the Great began to collect works of art at this palace. There are more than 3,000,000 works of art collected in this museum, which is said to take 15 years to see them all. And we only have an hour and a half, so why go in? So we think we made the right decision.

When viewed from the opposite side

As we approached The Hermitage, we were awestruck by its grandeur. The Baroque architecture, with its green and white color scheme, featured a rectangular building with over a thousand rooms. The sheer height of the structure left us with aching necks.

We then entered the interior, where there was a small garden for relaxation. This revealed that the garden was located in the center and surrounded by the various rooms of the palace building. A closer look revealed that the window panes on each floor differed significantly from one another.

Exiting The Hermitage, we found ourselves in a square occupied by a tent erected for some event. This significantly reduced the spaciousness of Palace Square, making it appear cluttered and cramped. The square was also teeming with people, a common sight during the tourist season, and the approaching FIFA World Cup further amplified the bustling atmosphere. Despite the crowds, our attention was immediately drawn to the towering Alexander Column, a granite monolith commemorating the Russian army's victory over Napoleon's forces, standing majestically in the center of the square.

The center of Palace Square was teeming with tourists, including various mascots, individuals dressed in retro European attire, and even attractive young women sporting stylish, form-fitting outfits. These individuals roamed the square, charging tourists for photographs. The prices were not insignificant, and some tourists reported paying a hefty sum after being caught off guard. This business appeared to be thriving in major tourist areas, as these individuals were ubiquitous. However, a word of caution: be wary of these individuals. If you take their picture without paying, or even if you decline to have your picture taken, they may aggressively pursue you in a group. If they are dissatisfied with the amount they receive, they may not leave easily. Therefore, exercise caution when visiting Palace Square.

There are also horse-drawn carriages available to take you on a tour of the area, but for us, just standing and taking a few pictures as a souvenir would probably be enough.

Across from The Hermitage, the yellow building is the General Staff Building, which is part of The Hermitage complex. This curved, elongated structure is adorned with triumphal chariots and warrior statues.

Rental available for those who do not want to walk.

We are tired from walking around, so we decided to head back to Nevsky Prospekt to find a place to rest our legs. I have a tip for a dessert shop that I found online that is supposed to have delicious and affordable treats. Let's go there! It might be a bit of a walk, as it's about 800 meters past Café Singer, where we were yesterday.

Hosting a welcoming event for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup.

This is the Sever (CeBep) restaurant. Upon entering, I was immediately overwhelmed by the vast selection of cakes, with hundreds of options available. The prices were also reasonable, and the cake I ordered was delicious, making the journey worthwhile. I spent a considerable amount of time at the restaurant, taking a break after a morning of sightseeing.

After enjoying a delicious meal, we continued walking a short distance to the Anichkov Bridge. If you have time, it's worth a visit. This is the oldest and most famous bridge over the Fontanka River. The four horse statues at the corners of the bridge are a highlight of this landmark. Built on an old wooden structure, the four horse statues each have a different appearance. Most tourists stop to take pictures as a souvenir, and I did the same, capturing all four corners.

From this angle, you can see two horses.

While returning to my accommodation, I chanced upon a garden adorned with a monument to Catherine the Great. Empress Catherine II, or Catherine the Great, was the most renowned and longest-reigning Empress of Russia, earning her widespread admiration. Following in the footsteps of Peter the Great, she modernized Russia, emulating Western European nations. Additionally, she expanded the empire's territory, fostered education, and promoted arts and culture. Her reign marked a golden age, the zenith of the Russian Empire. Though of Prussian, or German, origin, she married Peter III, the grandson of Peter the Great, who was assassinated shortly after ascending the throne, allegedly at the behest of Catherine II herself.

Behind the garden lies the Alexandrinsky Theatre (Александринский театр), also known as the Russian State Pushkin Academy Drama Theater. This historic Russian theater is the oldest in the country, and several tour buses filled with tourists wait to enter. The visitors are mostly elderly and dressed elegantly.

Several members of the group were exhausted and decided to return to their accommodation. However, the leader and I still had energy and decided to continue exploring to scout locations for our itinerary the next day. We took the blue metro line to Moskovskaya station. Upon arrival, we emerged onto a large square known as Moskovskaya Ploshad. The square features a monument to Vladimir Lenin and several fountains, both simple and elaborate. We enjoyed watching the fountains, which were illuminated, but unfortunately, due to the long daylight hours during this season, the water did not display the vibrant colors it would have during the winter when darkness falls earlier. It was a shame.

Behind this monument stands a massive building, the House of Soviets. This office building, constructed in the Stalinist style, was intended to house the Soviet Union's administration of Leningrad. Construction was completed just before the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union at the start of World War II. Consequently, the building never served its intended purpose. In 1941, it served as the headquarters of the Soviet Army during the siege of Leningrad. Later, it was converted into a research institute for military electronics.

After spending some time exploring the area, we decided to head back to our accommodation. We had gathered enough information for our sightseeing plan for the next day, and it was time to rest up for our final day in Saint Petersburg.

Follow their journey, enjoy their photos, and say hello to Piyai and Noolek at https://www.facebook.com/TravelWithPiyaiAndNoolek/