Things to Do at Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress stands as the birthplace of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 on Hare Island in the Neva River. Originally built as a military fortification to protect the newly established city from Swedish attacks, the fortress never actually served its defensive purpose. Instead, it became famous as the 'Russian Bastille' - a notorious political prison that housed many prominent revolutionary figures including Fyodor Dostoevsky, Maxim Gorky, and Lenin's brother Alexander Ulyanov. Today, the fortress serves as a fascinating museum complex that tells the story of Russian imperial history. The centerpiece is the magnificent Peter and Paul Cathedral with its iconic golden spire reaching 122.5 meters high, making it one of St. Petersburg's most recognizable landmarks. The cathedral houses the tombs of nearly all Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II, whose remains were finally interred here in 1998. The fortress offers visitors a unique blend of architectural beauty, imperial grandeur, and the darker chapters of Russian political history.

The fortress is easily accessible by metro - take the purple line to Gorkovskaya station, then walk 5 minutes through Alexandrovsky Park. Alternatively, use Sportivnaya station (blue line) and walk 10 minutes. Bus routes 46 and 183 stop nearby. During summer, river boats and water taxis provide scenic access to the fortress pier. The entrance is via Ioannovsky Bridge, the only pedestrian access point to Hare Island.