Spring Time in Russia: My Remarkable Journey – Day 4: Farewell, St. Petersburg

Following our previous episode where we explored the memories of St. Petersburg,

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Today is our last day in St. Petersburg. Before coming, we thought that we had too little time here considering the important places we wanted to visit. And when we actually arrived here, we felt even more so. I feel that St. Petersburg, the old capital of Russia, has a charm hidden in its seriousness. With only one day left, no matter which place we decide to visit, we will have to feel like we are missing out on something. But what can we do when we only have this much time left? We have to accept it. We plan our day-to-day, so we didn't book any tickets in advance. We were afraid that if we booked them and didn't go, it would be a waste.

This morning, we decided to visit the Catherine Palace. As planned yesterday, Big Brother and Little Mouse practiced taking the subway to Moskovskaya Station to check out the location before taking us all there today. When we arrived, we emerged into a large square, which we called Moskovskaya Square, where Vladimir Lenin stood proudly.

From there, walk to the back street in front of the House of Soviets building. There will be a minibus parked there. Just walk awkwardly and someone will ask you if you are going to Catherine Palace. However, they will not ask you in English. They will ask you in Russian, saying "Tsarskoye Selo" (Царское Село). You can also look at the front of the car, as they will have a piece of paper with it written on it. The fare is 40 RUB per person and the journey takes about 30 minutes.

Passing by some kind of monument

The name Tsarskoye Selo translates to "Tsar's Village" and is home to two palaces: the Catherine Palace and the Alexander Palace. The latter served as the residence of Tsar Nicholas II, the last emperor of the Romanov dynasty. Following his abdication on March 2nd, 1917, he and his family were initially confined within the Alexander Palace before being transferred to Yekaterinburg and ultimately executed on the morning of July 17th the following year.

Catherine Palace and Alexander Palace were opened as museums to the public in 1918. In 1937, the city's name was changed from Tsarskoye Selo to Pushkin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Alexander Pushkin, who is considered Russia's greatest poet and who studied in the city. Alexander Palace is currently closed to visitors as it is undergoing renovations.

Upon arrival, visitors must first purchase tickets at the front entrance to Catherine Park. Admission to the park costs 150 RUB. To visit the Summer Palace, an additional ticket must be purchased inside the park. The park opens earlier, allowing visitors to explore while waiting for the palace to open at 12:00 PM. However, during peak season, long queues form even an hour before opening time. Anticipating a lengthy wait, we decided to explore the park for an hour before joining the queue.

A map of the vast garden

Catherine Park is a beautiful garden spanning over 107 hectares. The park is divided into an old-style garden and an English-style garden, separated by a large pond. It also boasts numerous stunning pavilions of significant architectural and historical value. Exploring the entire park would undoubtedly take an entire day due to its vast size.

Cameron Gallery

We did not walk far, circling around the Cameron Gallery, which, according to historical records, was built by Catherine the Great's favorite architect, Charles Cameron. The gallery was designed to showcase the most beautiful views of the garden and the pond. The upper walkway was built as a place for the Empress to stroll through the garden or discuss philosophy with her close associates.

Cameron Gallery

We anticipate a lengthy wait in line, so let's get started. We joined the throngs of tourists eager to explore the Summer Palace. During our observation, we witnessed instances of queue-jumping by individuals of various nationalities. Some subtly inquired about various aspects and prolonged their conversations, while others who were initially ahead of us mysteriously found themselves near the front of the line. This lack of effective management is evident, but we are powerless to intervene as the queue-jumping occurred elsewhere. We urge the authorities to observe and learn from other venues with efficient queue management systems.

The long line you see is for people waiting to enter.

The queue moved slowly as officials opened it in rounds due to the large number of visitors who continued to arrive, making the line long throughout. Standing for a long time was not too bad, but the hot sun made it seem like an obstacle. In total, it took us about two hours to reach the finish line. Anyone coming during the tourist season like us has to be prepared for this, or else plan carefully and book tickets online, which will allow you to enter through another gate.

Please note the waiting line. We still have a long wait ahead of us.

Looking from the point where we are about to enter, there is still much more to come.

Upon entering, proceed to purchase tickets and deposit winter coats and large luggage at the Cloakroom on the left wing. This area also offers food and beverage options for a quick bite or a chance to use the restroom.

Let's start with some snacks.

Cloakroom area

Then walk to the right wing before entering. You can rent an audio guide and must wear the shoe covers provided before entering the inner area. For women's shoulder bags and cameras, you can bring them with you.

Everyone must wear shoe covers before entering.

The first section we encountered was the palace's grand staircase. The initial steps were breathtaking, but the large crowds, including independent tourists and numerous Chinese tour groups, made viewing chaotic. Groups were shuffled between rooms, creating a somewhat disorganized experience.

The Catherine Palace: A Historical Gem near St. Petersburg

The Catherine Palace, also known as the Ekaterininsky Dvorets, stands as a testament to Russian history and architectural grandeur. Situated in Tsarskoye Selo, approximately 25 kilometers south of St. Petersburg, the palace boasts a rich past dating back to its construction in 1717.

Commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great as a summer residence for his second wife, Catherine I (not to be confused with Catherine the Great), the palace initially presented a modest two-story structure. However, under the reign of Empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great and Catherine I, the palace underwent significant expansion, transforming into the sprawling edifice we see today.

In 1752, Empress Elizabeth found the Catherine Palace outdated and inconvenient. She ordered the Italian architect Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli to demolish the original structure and replace it with Rococo architecture. The new palace took over four years to build and was completed in 1756. After Elizabeth's reign, the palace was further decorated, especially during the reigns of Catherine II and Tsar Alexander I. During World War II, the Catherine Palace was almost completely destroyed by the German army. Restoration and reconstruction began in the 1950s and continues to this day.

From the foyer, we were ushered into the Great Hall, a space reserved for official receptions and celebrations. During the day, the hall was illuminated by natural light, while at night, it was bathed in the golden glow of 696 candles. The reflection of the candles in the mirrors further enhanced the room's brilliance. Stepping into this hall, I must admit that despite having visited numerous European palaces, I was still awestruck by the gold that adorned every inch of the room. The sheer opulence of the space was truly breathtaking.

Queen Elizabeth was known for her extravagance. She spent lavishly on decorating her palaces and was a trendsetter in fashion. To ensure her uniqueness at balls and dances, she forbade anyone from copying her hairstyle. She also never wore the same outfit twice. After her death, it was discovered that she had amassed a collection of over 15,000 dresses.

Following the grand hall, we continued to explore numerous adjacent chambers, each adorned with unique decorations reflecting their intended use. It is impossible to declare one room superior to another, as each possesses its own exquisite and intricate beauty.

The 17th-18th century artwork by various artists adorns each room, creating a unique aesthetic. Nearly every room features a fireplace adorned with Chinese-style blue and white tiles, a popular trend in Europe during that era.

However, perhaps due to having witnessed numerous European palaces, I did not experience the same level of excitement or awe as I did during my initial encounters with such structures. This is likely because I have come to understand that it is customary for rulers to showcase their power, prestige, and wealth through architecture, possessions, and lavish furnishings.

The Amber Room, a highlight of the Catherine Palace, is off-limits to photography. Originally built at Charlottenburg Palace, the residence of King Frederick I of Prussia around 1701, the Amber Room was commissioned by King Frederick William I and designed and decorated by German sculptor Andreas Schlüter and Danish amber craftsman Gottfried Wolfram. It was presented to Tsar Peter the Great of Russia in 1716 as a symbol of the crucial alliance between Russia and Prussia against the Swedish invasion. The room is exquisitely decorated, with walls and ceilings entirely made of amber, adorned with gold leaf and intricate mirrors, earning it the nickname "The Eighth Wonder of the World."

During World War II, the Amber Room was dismantled by the Nazi German army within 36 hours, despite attempts to conceal it with wallpaper. In 1979, the Soviet government decided to rebuild the Amber Room at the Catherine Palace, using black-and-white photographs of the original as a model. The reconstruction took 24 years to complete and involved over 40 Russian and German specialists. One of the delays in construction was due to a shortage of skilled amber craftsmen. Funding for the reconstruction was provided by a major German energy company, amounting to over $3.5 million. The Amber Room was unveiled to Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg in 2003. The Amber Room has thus regained its splendor and is once again on display for the world to admire. It is considered the most beautiful room in the Catherine Palace.

After exploring every room and feeling satisfied with the beauty, we stepped outside feeling famished as we had missed our lunch time by a long shot.

If you have booked your ticket online, please enter from this side.

The queue to enter the attraction has started to shorten. We began our journey back by walking back to the road to find a van to take us back. It seems to be true what they say, most reviews only tell you how to get there, but the way back is only vaguely mentioned. This is because the road is a one-way street, making it difficult to know where to catch a ride back. We walked almost to the end of the Catherine Park fence, reaching the building that houses the Hermitage Kitchen and, on the other side, the entrance to Catherine Park. There is a bus stop nearby. You can wait for the bus there and take it back to the city. If you are unsure, shout and ask the driver if they are going to MeTpo (Metro). If they are, you can hop on.

Various animals can be seen in the garden.

The Hermitage Kitchen also provides access to the garden.

The bus we hopped on was packed to the brim, with some of our members having to stand all the way to our destination, Moskovskaya Ploshad. Upon arrival, we stopped at a nearby park to devour the provisions we had brought, as we were famished. After satisfying our hunger, we had the energy to embark on our journey to the much-talked-about colorful church. Reaching the adorable, candy-colored church was a breeze. Simply walk parallel to the road behind the House of Soviets, and if you're worried about getting lost, use GPS for assistance.

The path behind the House of Soviets to Chesme Church

Beautiful flower garden in front of Chesme Church.

After a short walk, you will encounter the Chesme Church (Чесменская церковь), a small church situated in a spacious square. From afar, its resemblance to a Glico Pocky stick is undeniable. This small Orthodox church was constructed by Russian architect Yury Felten in 1780, fulfilling the wishes of Empress Catherine the Great of Russia.

Commemorating the victory over the Turkish fleet at Chesme Bay in the Aegean Sea during the Russo-Turkish War of 1770, the church's rear serves as a cemetery for the defenders of Leningrad during the three-year German siege in World War II. Previously, the site was a cemetery for war veterans. Due to its small size, the interior is cramped, offering limited angles for photography. Primarily used for prayer, the church maintains a quiet atmosphere. After a brief visit, I exited the church.

From here, we set off on our return journey to Nevsky Prospekt. As today is our last day in St. Petersburg, let's take a boat ride to admire the beauty of the surrounding landmarks and soak up the unforgettable atmosphere.

We opted to board the boat at the Griboyedov Canal pier, near the Café Singer. The cost was 800 RUB per person. We were told that the journey would take approximately one hour. Upon arriving at the pier, we paid for our tickets and then found seats to our liking. Blankets were provided, as the boat ride would be chilly due to the wind. We made sure to grab one each. The only rule for passengers was to remain seated at all times, as the boat would pass under bridges periodically. Standing up to take photos could be dangerous. One drawback was that the onboard commentary was in Russian, which we did not understand. As a result, we simply enjoyed the scenery.

As the ship departs, it will take us past the Church of the Spilled Blood, offering a close-up view of this iconic landmark from a different perspective before we bid it farewell.

And then under the bridge, cut through to the Neva River, admiring the beauty of the old buildings with their unique architecture on the right side.

And passing by the familiar sight of the Peter and Paul Fortress, which we visited yesterday.

The tour took us past old buildings, the Lion Bridge, and the Horse Bridge, before returning to our starting point approximately one hour later. The overall atmosphere of the boat trip was pleasant, especially in the late afternoon when the sun wasn't too strong. While the price may be higher than during the day, it allows for a relaxing experience with beautiful views and photo opportunities, without the need to walk and tire your legs.

It is said that cruising along the old houses and buildings is similar to Venice, hence the nickname "Venice of the North". While the atmosphere may not be as romantic, it offers an equally pleasant experience.

After completing our boat trip, we had to return to our accommodation. We needed to pack our belongings and prepare for our departure to Moscow the following day.

Although we would have loved to spend more time in St. Petersburg, we had to move on as we were on a tight schedule. We didn't want to rush through the remaining sights and attractions, simply checking them off our list. That wouldn't have been our style.

After spending only a few days in Saint Petersburg, the elder brother and the younger sister agreed that if the opportunity arose, this city would undoubtedly welcome their return. This time, it would certainly not be their first and only visit.

Don't forget to follow our journey.

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