The best feature of St Petersburg? Perhaps, it’s the long rivers and canals that run through the city. At least that’s where Petersburg gets it Venice of the North nickname from.
Of course, there’s a lot to admire about this magnificent city… the architecture, museums, or nightlife if you’re more into that sort of thing- there is something for everyone. For me, however, it’s definitely the waterways. Just imagine strolling, following the streams on a hot summer day, finding your inner peace in the centre of a cosmoplitan city.
Originally the city was built on a group of islands, so it’s no surprise, that since 1703 it has transformed into a complex network of waterways and bridges.
There are a number of well-known rivers and canals in St. Petersburg, but in this piece, I will talk about my favourites, or probably, those, that I get to see most often.
The largest river running through the city is, of course, the Neva river which flows into the Gulf of Finland. Most of those who’ve ever seen a picture of St. Petersburg, already know how this river looks. It can be found outside of the Winter Palace and Peter and Paul Fortress making it a perfect spot for tourists. Moreover, the famous Palace Bridge is built across the Neva, so if you come to St. Petersburg in summer, during the season of the White Nights, you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the drawing of the bridges at night.
Another famous river in the city is Fontanka, which crosses the centre of Petersburg. One of the most famous bridges across this river is the Anichkov bridge which was originally built in 1716. The bridge has horse and men sculptures, making it not an ordinary crossing bridge, but a sightseeing spot. Also, former residences of the Russian nobles are built on the side of the Fontanka Embankment, so if you enjoy the splendid architecture of the city, this might be the route for you.
Fontanka and Neva are not the only waterways that get their share of beautiful bridges. Griboyedov Canal enjoys a number of pedestrian bridges- the most outstanding being the Bank Bridge which is supported by large gold-winged lions- one of the symbols of St Petersburg. If you like classical Russian literature, you will be interested to find out that the Griboyedov Canal is one of the locations described in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, sp once you come to the city, you can take one pf the thematic tours and cross the same bridges, that Roskolnikov did.
If you’re not a fan of long, tiring walks, you can hop on a canal cruise and enjoy the views of the extraordinary city (hint: that’s where some of the best photographs can be taken too).
Overall, once you’re in St Petersburg, you should definitely have a walk along the city’s network of river and canals… it’s probably the most affordable attraction for tourists and you will enjoy views such as the Nevsky Prospect or Church of the Saviour on Blood.
Анастасия Олесова/Anastasija Olesova, The University of Manchester (3-ий курс/ 3rd year), BA (Hons) Politics and Russian.