Top Destinations for Photography Enthusiasts in Saint Petersburg, Russia
1. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
Ornate church with colorful onion domes and intricate mosaics; offers stunning architecture and art photography opportunities.
- Mosaic Interior: Photograph the world's largest collection of mosaics inside the church.
- Night Photography: Capture the beautifully lit church against a backdrop of the Neva River.
- Icon Details: Take close-up shots of detailed icons and craftsmanship.
2. Saint Isaac's Cathedral
Colossal cathedral with a golden dome, intricate colonnade, and stunning interiors; provides excellent architectural and cityscape photography opportunities.
- Golden Dome: Photograph the golden dome from various angles for a unique perspective.
- Colonnade Detail: Capture the intricate colonnade and columns around the cathedral.
- Interior Mosaics: Explore and photograph stunning mosaics in the cathedral's interior.
3. The Hermitage Museum
World-renowned art museum with an extensive collection, including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo; offers numerous opportunities for art photography.
- Rothschild's Room: Photograph the opulent Rothschild's Room filled with treasures.
- Impressionist Gallery: Capture masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas in the Impressionist gallery.
- Golden Hall: Photograph the grandeur of the Golden Hall with its ornate architecture.
4. Peter and Paul Fortress
Historic fortress on Hare Island featuring a cathedral, museums, and beautiful views of Saint Petersburg; offers opportunities for architectural, historical, and landscape photography.
- Cathedral Interior: Photograph the ornate interior of the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
- Tracing City's History: Explore museums to learn about the city's history while capturing historic artifacts.
- Neva River View: Capture panoramic views of Saint Petersburg from the fortress along the Neva River.
5. The Church of Our Lady of Kazan on the Spit of Vasilievsky Island
Iconic church with a baroque spire; offers opportunities for architecture and cityscape photography.
- Baroque Architecture: Photograph the stunning baroque architecture of the church.
- Night Photography: Capture the illuminated church against a backdrop of the city.
- Interior Design: Explore and photograph the intricate interiors of the church.
6. The State Russian Museum
Largest museum dedicated to Russian art, with an extensive collection spanning centuries; offers numerous opportunities for art photography.
- Russian Icons: Photograph traditional Russian icons and learn about their significance.
- Fabergé Collection: Capture the world-famous Fabergé eggs and other artifacts.
- Architectural Details: Photograph intricate architectural details of the museum's buildings.
7. The Cruiser Aurora
Historic warship that played a significant role in the Russian Revolution; offers opportunities for maritime and historical photography.
- Revolutionary History: Learn about the ship's role in the Russian Revolution while capturing historical artifacts.
- Maritime Architecture: Photograph the unique maritime architecture of the cruiser Aurora.
- Interior Details: Explore and photograph the intricate interiors of the ship.
8. Nevsky Prospekt
Busy avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes; offers opportunities for street photography and capturing the city's energy.
- Historic Buildings: Photograph beautiful historic buildings lining Nevsky Prospekt.
- Street Life: Capture the energy of locals and tourists on this bustling street.
- Architectural Variety: Explore the architectural variety of buildings along Nevsky Prospekt.
9. The Summer Garden
Beautiful park with fountains, statues, and scenic views; offers opportunities for landscape, floral, and architectural photography.
- Water Features: Photograph the intricate water features in the park.
- Floral Variety: Capture the beauty of a wide variety of flowers blooming throughout the garden.
- Scenic Views: Photograph scenic views of the Neva River and Palace Square from within the park.
10. The Fabergé Shop
Official shop selling authentic Fabergé items; offers opportunities for product photography.
- Authentic Items: Photograph authentic Fabergé eggs and other artifacts.
- Exclusive Collection: Capture the beauty of the exclusive collection available at the shop.
- Shop Interiors: Photograph the elegant interiors of the Fabergé shop.
11. The Smolny Institute
Iconic building with a rich history, serving as the headquarters for the Communist Party and later the Russian government; offers opportunities for architecture and historical photography.
- Architectural Details: Photograph intricate architectural details of the Smolny Institute.
- Communist History: Explore the history of the Communist Party and Russian government at this site.
- Interior Design: Photograph the elegant interiors of the Smolny Institute.
12. The Bronze Horseman Statue
Monumental equestrian statue of Peter the Great on Senate Square; offers opportunities for architectural, cityscape, and historic photography.
- Equestrian Sculpture: Photograph the stunning equestrian statue of Peter the Great.
- Senate Square Architecture: Capture the beautiful architecture surrounding Senate Square.
- Historic Significance: Learn about the statue's significance in Russian history and culture.
13. The Rostral Columns
Iconic columns on the Neva Embankment with ship models atop; offers opportunities for cityscape and architectural photography.
- Ship Models: Photograph the ornate ship models atop the Rostral Columns.
- Night Photography: Capture the illuminated columns against a backdrop of the city.
- Architectural Details: Photograph intricate architectural details of the Rostral Columns.
14. The Spilled Blood Bridge
Ornate bridge over the Neva River with intricate designs and ornaments; offers opportunities for architectural photography.
- Design Details: Photograph intricate design details on the Spilled Blood Bridge.
- Night Photography: Capture the beautifully lit bridge against a backdrop of the city.
- Architectural Contrast: Photograph the contrast between modern and historic architecture on both sides of the bridge.
15. The Cruise Along the Neva River
Cruise offering panoramic views of Saint Petersburg's historic landmarks; offers opportunities for landscape and cityscape photography.
- Historic Landmarks: Capture panoramic views of Saint Petersburg's iconic landmarks from the cruise.
- Cityscape Photography: Photograph the city skyline and architectural variety from the cruise.
- Night Cruise: Experience a magical nighttime cruise under the illuminated city lights.