Why go
Peter & Paul Fortress rewards attention to scale, orientation, and setting. The Peter and Paul Fortress (Петропа́вловская кре́пость) is the original citadel of Saint Petersburg, Russia, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and built to Domenico Trezzini's designs from 1706 to 1740. Before leaving, compare one close detail of Peter & Paul Fortress with its broadest public view.
What to look for
- Peter & Paul Fortress: Use the principal axis to orient yourself at the site.
- Peter & Paul Fortress: Move closer for details hidden within the overall symmetry.
- Peter & Paul Fortress: Retreat far enough to see the complete outline.
The full story
The Peter and Paul Fortress (Петропа́вловская кре́пость) is the original citadel of Saint Petersburg, Russia, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and built to Domenico Trezzini's designs from 1706 to 1740. Sights The fortress contains several notable buildings clustered around the Peter and Paul Cathedral (1712-1733), which has a 123.2-metre bell-tower (the tallest in the downtown) and a gilded angel-topped cupola. The newer Grand Ducal Mausoleum (built in the neo-Baroque style under Leon Benois's supervision in 1896-1908) is connected to the cathedral by a corridor. It was constructed in order to remove the remains of some of the non-reigning Romanovs from the cathedral where there was scarcely any room for new burials. The mausoleum was expected to hold up to sixty tombs, but by the time of the Russian Revolution there were only thirteen. The latest burial there was of Nicholas II's first cousin once removed, Grand Duke Vladimir Cyrilovich (1992).
Useful to know
- Check the current admission calendar for Peter & Paul Fortress before building an interior visit around it.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 30–45 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.