Best Haunted & Paranormal Travel Destinations in Saint Petersburg, Russia
1. Peter and Paul Fortress
A historic military construction with a haunted reputation due to the tragic tales of prisoners held here.
- Historical Significance: Built in the 1700s, it's one of Saint Petersburg's oldest structures.
- Prisoner Ghost Stories: Legend has it that spirits of the imprisoned still linger within its walls.
- Mystery Chamber: A mysterious room hidden beneath the cathedral, said to contain buried tsarist treasure.
2. The Crucified Savior Church
A church with a macabre past, built upon an execution site from the 1700s.
- Dark Past: Executions took place on this very spot during Saint Petersburg's foundation.
- Haunted Graveyard: The graveyard is said to be home to many restless spirits of the executed.
- Orthodox Art: Features intricate Orthodox iconography and art.
3. The Smolenka Cemetery
An ancient cemetery known for its eerie atmosphere and haunted tombs.
- Oldest Graves: Dates back to the early 1800s, with some of the oldest graves in Saint Petersburg.
- Supernatural Encounters: Visitors report experiencing strange phenomena and encounters with ghostly apparitions.
- Notable Burials: Final resting place of many famous Russian historical figures.
4. The Rostral Columns
Two ornate columns that have witnessed countless executions and hauntings over the centuries.
- Execution Site: Witnessed public beheadings and hangings during the Russian Empire.
- Haunted Columns: Legend has it that spirits of the executed linger near these columns.
- Iconic Architecture: Stunning examples of Baroque and Classical architectural styles.
5. The Alexander Nevsky Lavra
A monastery complex with a haunted history, known for its eerie atmosphere.
- Monastery Complex: One of the largest and most important Orthodox monasteries in Russia.
- Haunted Monks: Legend has it that monks who died here still walk its halls.
- Monastery Cemetery: Final resting place for many notable Russian figures.
6. The Church on Spilled Blood
A beautiful church built on the site of Emperor Alexander II's assassination.
- Assassination Site: Built to commemorate Tsar Alexander II, who was fatally wounded here.
- Striking Architecture: A stunning example of Russian Neo-Russian architecture.
- Mystery Buried Treasure: Legend has it that buried tsarist treasures lie beneath the church.
7. The Mikhailovsky Castle
A palace rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Emperor Paul I.
- Haunting Emperor Ghost: Legend has it that Emperor Paul I still wanders the castle after his mysterious death.
- Impressive Architecture: An architectural masterpiece, combining Baroque and Empire styles.
- Exhibitions and Collections: Home to various art exhibitions and collections of imperial memorabilia.
8. The Execution Alley
A grim reminder of Saint Petersburg's bloody history, where countless executions took place.
- Execution Site: Used for public beheadings and hangings during the Russian Empire.
- Haunted Ground: Legend has it that spirits of the executed still linger in this alley.
- Historical Significance: An important piece of Saint Petersburg's dark past.
9. The Shadows of the Neva
A river cruise that uncovers the haunted stories and legends of Saint Petersburg.
- Guided Tour: Provides an informative and entertaining tour of Saint Petersburg's haunted past.
- Unique Perspective: Offers a unique perspective on the city's history from the water.
- Haunting Tales: Shares spine-tingling tales of the city's ghostly inhabitants and haunted past.
10. The Peterhof Ghost
A hotel rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former guest.
- Haunting Guest Spirit: Legend has it that a former guest still lingers in the hotel.
- Luxurious Accommodation: Offers luxurious and comfortable rooms for your stay.
- Convenient Location: Located near many of Saint Petersburg's popular attractions.
11. The House with Chimeras
A unique building adorned with grotesque chimera statues, said to be haunted by their spirits.
- Grotesque Art: Features intricate sculptures of mythical creatures known as chimeras.
- Haunted Building: Legend has it that the spirits of the chimera statues still linger within its walls.
- Historical Significance: A prominent and interesting example of Russian Neo-Gothic architecture.
12. The House of the Embalmed Cat
A curiosity shop with an unusual resident - a cat preserved in formaldehyde.
- Preserved Cat: Features a real, embalmed cat as its main attraction.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Offers a wide variety of unique souvenirs and curiosities.
- Haunted Atmosphere: Has an eerie, haunted atmosphere that adds to the experience.
13. The Necropolis of Tikhvin Cemetery
A cemetery filled with intricate grave monuments and ghostly tales.
- Intricate Monuments: Features ornate, artistic graves dating back to the 1800s.
- Haunted Atmosphere: Has a chilling and eerie atmosphere that adds to the experience.
- Historical Significance: Final resting place of many notable Russian figures, including some tsars.
14. The House with the Golden Rooster
A building said to be haunted by a golden rooster that crows at midnight.
- Haunted Building: Legend has it that a golden rooster with glowing eyes still calls from its tower.
- Unique Architecture: Features an unusual, onion-shaped dome and elaborate decorative elements.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest buildings in Saint Petersburg, dating back to the early 1700s.
15. The Church on the Blood
A church built on the site of Emperor Alexander II's assassination attempt.
- Assassination Attempt Site: Built to commemorate an attempt on Emperor Alexander II's life.
- Striking Architecture: Features elaborate onion-shaped domes and intricate mosaics.
- Haunting Legends: Surrounded by legends of ghostly apparitions and hauntings.