Upon arriving in St. Petersburg on 15.09.2025, we were taken directly from the train station to a river cruise - a fitting introduction to the city’s unique landscape and fascinating history. As we glided along the waterways, our local guide vividly described how this remarkable city was born from the swamps of the Neva River delta.
Map excerpt of St. Petersburg, illustrating the city’s rivers, canals and waterways. Image courtesy of an online source.
St. Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 during the Great Northern War, as part of his mission to modernize Russia and open it to Europe. Seeking access to the Baltic Sea, Peter chose the marshy delta of the Neva for his new, Western-style capital - his “window to Europe.” The city’s first structure, the Peter and Paul Fortress, marked the start of an ambitious construction project under harsh conditions.
In 1712, Peter moved the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg, establishing it as the political and cultural heart of the Russian Empire. Designed with grand avenues, canals, and European architecture, it reflected his vision of a modern Russia.
Built on the Neva River delta, the city spans more than 40 islands, connected by over 400 bridges, including drawbridges that open each night. The Fontanka, Moika, and Griboyedov Canals wind through the historic center, lined with palaces and cathedrals mirrored in the water.
Water defines the rhythm and beauty of St. Petersburg, shaping its geography, architecture, and spirit - making it one of the most distinctive and enchanting cities in the world.
The headroom beneath many of the bridges was surprisingly low. Our cruise boat skimmed just under them, and the guide reminded everyone not to stand on the open deck as we passed - an unforgettable reminder of how closely the city’s waterways and architecture intertwine.
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| Horse and tamer statue seen from the cruise boat. |
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| The same horse and tamer statue seen on land. |
Statues depicting horses and their tamers are a common sight in St. Petersburg. This reflects a deep-rooted fascination that Russians have long held with horses - a bond intertwined with their history and culture. The connection is perhaps best exemplified by the Cossacks, renowned horsemen of the Russian steppes, whose children were said to be riding by the age of three.
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| Peter and Paul Fortress. |
The twin drawbridge sections of this bridge open at night to permit the passage of ships.
After the cruise.
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