Sunday 15 May 2011

St. Petersburg – City of many treasures

 



After an amazing first day in St. Petersburg we continue the exploration in and around this marvelous city. On todays program a difficult choice…

The visit to Hermitage with the Gold Room featured an exclusive pre opening for the guests of MV FRAM and gave us a chance to enjoy the collection without any crowds. Walking through the Winter Palace, former home to the Tsars, gave us visitors an idea how the family once must have lived. A museum containing more than 3 million exhibits an architectural, historical and artistic magnificent composition. Masterpiece after masterpiece we could admire from the minute we entered to the minute we left.  

The full day tour took us to Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin), the former Royal summer residence. Catherine Palace is considered to be one of the masterpieces of world architecture. The lavish imperial palace at Pushkin was designed by Rastrelli in 1752 for Empress Elizabeth. The famous Amber Room of the palace was once considered to be the “Eight Wonder of the World”. Our eyes were mesmerized and blinded by the beauty and the wealth of this palace. We enjoyed some time in the gardens before returning to St. Petersburg for a visit to St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

Some of us joined for a walking tour in the city, to enjoy closer views to famous sights for instance the Bronze Horseman – Peter the Great. Walking along the water and seeing Peter the Great’s 12 Ministries, the Academy of Sciences and remarkable squares gave us many striking photo opportunities.

A busy day and an incredible visit to St. Petersburg come to an end. It is time to say good bye!