Facts and Data
Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Agate Pavilion of the Catherine Palace and Alexander Palace (World Monuments Watch)
St. Petersburg (State of the Art Conservation Projects - ARCH Foundation)
UNESCO and the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg (UNESCO)
Exploring St. Petersburg (Russian National Tourist Office)
Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1990
Size of heritage: 3,934 ha
Coordinates:
Longitude: 30,318°
Latitude: 59,950°
Summary
The 'Venice of the North', with its numerous canals and more than 400 bridges, is the result of a vast urban project begun in 1703 under Peter the Great. Later known as Leningrad (in the former USSR), the city is closely associated with the October Revolution. Its architectural heritage reconciles the very different Baroque and pure neoclassical styles, as can be seen in the Admiralty, the Winter Palace, the Marble Palace and the Hermitage.
Location on Map
Show bigger map on Openstreetmap
Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments
The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Russia. It encompasses the historic center of Saint Petersburg, along with several related groups of monuments that showcase the city's rich history and architectural heritage. The coordinates of the site are N59 57 0 E30 19 5.988.
History
Saint Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 and served as the capital of the Russian Empire for over two centuries. The city was designed as a showcase of European architecture and culture, with grand palaces, churches, and public buildings constructed along the banks of the Neva River. The historic center of Saint Petersburg was built on a series of islands and is characterized by its elegant canals, bridges, and wide boulevards.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Saint Petersburg became a center of political, cultural, and intellectual life in Russia. It witnessed significant historical events, including the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Siege of Leningrad during World War II. The city's architectural ensemble reflects the different periods of its history, from the Baroque and Neoclassical styles of the 18th century to the Art Nouveau and Modernist influences of the early 20th century.
Current State
The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments is exceptionally well-preserved, and its architectural ensemble remains largely intact. The site covers an area of approximately 2,031 hectares and includes numerous landmarks and cultural institutions.
One of the most iconic structures within the site is the Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace. The museum is renowned for its vast collection of art and artifacts, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Picasso. The Peter and Paul Fortress, with its distinctive spire, is another prominent feature of the site. It served as a prison for political dissidents during the tsarist era and now houses a museum and the burial site of the Russian imperial family.
The site also includes the Admiralty Building, the Kazan Cathedral, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, all of which are architectural masterpieces. The Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main thoroughfare, is lined with elegant buildings, shops, and cafes, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant urban life.
Preservation efforts have been ongoing to protect the historic center of Saint Petersburg and its related groups of monuments. Strict regulations govern new construction and renovations to ensure that the city's architectural integrity is maintained. The site attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to admire its stunning architecture, explore its museums, and experience its rich cultural heritage.
The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments is not only a testament to the city's past but also a vibrant and living part of its present. It continues to be a symbol of Russia's cultural and historical significance, attracting visitors from around the world who are captivated by its beauty and grandeur.
Hotels and places to stay
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22
Pushka Inn
Fortecia Piter
Artefact
Astery Hotel
Moyka 5
Nesvky Hotel Art Hall
3 MostA
Villa Perlov
HOTEL PITER
Videos from the area
Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners.