St. Petersburg is located on the banks of Neva River that falls
into the Gulf of Finland. It is the the northernmost city with
population over one million people. Its lavish palaces and canals,
hundred of bridges and world class museums make it one of the
jewels of the European civilization. It is one of top ten tourist
destinations in the world according to "Forbes Traveler."
History
St. Petersburg was designed not only as Russia's first maritime
naval base. It was also to represent the power and wealth of a
newly-born Russian Empire. It was designed to borrow features of
Europe's most beautiful cities of the time. So its palace rival
Versailles, its canals rival Venice, its streets resemble Amsterdam
and Vienna. St. Petersburg's rich architecture is surpassed by its
historical importance. This city saw events that shook world's most
powerful empires. It has seen sieges of most powerful armies in the
world. It has given birth to some of the world's finest pieces of
literature and art.
Simple Pleasures in St Petersburg - David Turner
(18/06/2008)
I had just passed an exhilarating and fascinating morning in the
Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and I left with my head full of
the splendour of the building and the unsurpassed beauty of the
exhibitions. Turning away from the River Neva, glittering in the
early summer sunshine, I started to walk down the Nevsky Prospekt.
Picking my way through the crowds of tourists scurrying here and
there to catch up with their groups, I stumbled upon a different
kind of treasure house. Sever (which means North) at 44 Nevsky
Prospekt has been the home to the city's finest confectioner and
patisserie for over a hundred years. Walking through the door is
like entering an Aladdin's Cave dedicated to the art of fine food.
Each customer was faced with the same dilemma as me, everything
looked mouth-watering and whichever one of the hundred or so
gateaux that I chose, there would be so many others which seemed
equally tempting. The display cabinet was overcrowded with cakes
and tarts carrying names like 'Ravenna', 'Verona' and the 'Golden
Fleece', each more finely crafted than the next. I made my choice,
a 'Kartoshka', not as you might think a potato, but a delicious
cake made with cream, biscuit, a dash of Cognac and lashings of
cocoa. I approached the salesgirl who was dressed in a smart blue
and white uniform, I paid and I carried my cake and coffee to a
small table in the window where I sat peacefully for an hour
reflecting on the treasures of the Hermitage and watching the world
drift by on the Nevsky Prospekt...
"Travel All Russia" (IATAN Registration number 33531923) is the first American travel agency dedicated solely to Russia travel. Based both in the US and Russia, "Travel All Russia" is in a unique position to provide quality travel services to Russia with unmatched rates and superb customer service. Whether you are looking for fights or hotels, visas or private guides, package tours or river cruises – "Travel All Russia" is the best place to plan your trip to Russia. Learn more
22 Navigator ct Staten Island New York, 10309, USA. Phone: 1.800.884.1721
