The “Venice of the North”, as St Petersburg is often titled, offers many opportunities to the budding photographer, from the beauty of the many canals to the grandeur of the Imperial history which is evident everywhere. Here is a run through 5 places where you will never fail to take a memorable photo.
Strelka, Vasilyevksy Island
The Strelka, or spit, is the easternmost tip of Vasilyevsky Island and looks onto the Neva, St Petersburg’s main river, and is flanked on the left by the Peter and Paul fortress and on the right by the Winter Palace. As such it offers a wonderful panoramic view and is often frequented by wedding parties in search of the perfect photo. It is equally a hotspot on festival days. Opposite this panorama you can see the Old St Petersburg Stock Exchange flanked on both sides by two Rostral columns, two wonderful examples of Greek revival architecture. Originally built by Peter the Great to model the Amsterdam stock exchange, the building is now part of the State Hermitage Museum.
Aleksandrovsky Garden
The Alexander Garden, with the St Isaacs Cathedral in the background, is one of the prettiest parks in St Petersburg and is a firm favourite of the residents. It is named after Tsar Alexander II, who ordered 52 different species of tree to be planted here. A stroll through this park provides some great photo spots surrounded by the beauty of trees and the flowers, or alternatively the wonderful background shown in this photo could be the answer to the search for your next cover photo!
Admiralty Embankment
Right next to the Aleksandrovsky Garden, this stretch of walkway is home to the Admiralty Building, the old headquarters of the Imperial Russian Navy, as well as the world famous statue The Bronze Horseman. As well as a pleasant walk along this tree-lined boulevard, you can also find a stunning view of the Neva here with the Palace bridge in the background, as well the St Petersburg State University. If you are in search of a less cliché but no less stunning backdrop for your St Petersburg photo, this is it.
Palace Square
However, if cliché is what you are after, then look no further than Palace Square. The Winter Palace is arguably the most recognisable of St Petersburg’s buildings, any photo taken with it in the background will leave your followers in no doubt as to the destination of your travels. The home of the Russian Empire, this square would cater very well to panorama enthusiasts with the baroque Winter Palace at one end, the neoclassical Building of the General Staff at the other, and the Alexander I column in the middle, which is the tallest column of its kind in the world.
Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood
Built on the spot Emperor Alexander II was fatally wounded by political opponents, this church is one of the must-see sites of St Petersburg. It is a rare example of a traditional Russian orthodox architectural style in a city otherwise dominated by the baroque and the neoclassical. In addition the church is located on a canal typical of the city, so on a sunny day the glitter of the water gives your photo that extra edge.
Disagree with our selection? Let us know about your favourite spots in St Petersburg in the comments below!