EXPLORING PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

 The Peter and Paul Fortress is the birthplace of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 on Hare Island in the Neva River. Originally built as a military stronghold, it never saw battle but became a political prison, holding figures like Dostoevsky and Trotsky. The fortress houses the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Russian emperors, including Peter the Great, are buried. It also features a museum complex, exhibitions on the city's history, and a daily cannon firing at noon, a long-standing tradition. Peter and Paul Fortress witnessed several pivotal moments in Russian history, including the 1917 Feburary and October Revolutions, the Siege of Leningrad, and being converted into a museum, preserving its legacy as the birthplace of St. Petersburg. Today, it stands as a museum complex, housing the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Russian emperors, including Peter the Great, are buried. It remains a symbol of St. Petersburg’s foundation and a key site for understanding Russia’s imperial and revolutionary past. This is a guide for exploring the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, Russia.

                                                                                        

                         

History of Peter and Paul Fortress

Peter the Great founded the fortress to defend his future capital from Swedish attack. It housed 6 formidable bastions, a military base, political prison, cathedral, and the Russian treasury. During Tsarist times, the Peter and Paul Fortress was home to the main political prison in the Russian Empire, the formidable Trubetskoy Bastion. Amongst those incarcerated there were Peter the Great’s own son Tsarevich Alexei, the great writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Lenin’s brother Aleksandr Ulyanov. The fortress’s garrison supported the revolution and surrendered to the Bolsheviks. The fortress is truly impermeable, with walls 12m high and 20m thick, and six bastions named in honour of Peter and his right-hand men. Despite all of this, the Peter and Paul Fortress has never been directly attacked. St Petersburg’s first church was built inside the fortress just one month after the founding of the city, and rebuilt as the Peter and Paul Cathedral by Dominico Trezzini in magnificent Baroque style. The cathedral served as the tomb of the Romanov dynasty, and the remains of all but two of Russia’s emperors were laid to rest there. Tsarist officials, members of the Romanov family, and the Provisional Government were incarcerated there. Over the next few decades the fortress was turned into a museum and used as a research site. After the collapse of the USSR, the last Tsar’s family were reinterred at the cathedral. 

The Peter and Paul Fortress has witnessed several pivotal moments in Russian history:

1703: Founded by Peter the Great during the Great Northern War as a military stronghold.

1720s–1917: Served as a political prison, holding figures like Dostoevsky, Trotsky, and Tsarevich Alexei.

February Revolution (1917): Mutinous soldiers stormed the fortress, freeing prisoners and detaining Tsarist officials.

October Revolution (1917): The fortress fell to the Bolsheviks, who opened fired at the Winter Palace, marking the end of Tsarist rule.

1919: Four Romanov grand dukes were unalived within its walls by the Cheka, the Soviet secret police.

World War II: Suffered heavy damage during the Siege of Leningrad, but was later restored.

1924–Present: Converted into a museum, preserving its legacy as the birthplace of St. Petersburg.

Architectural Highlights

The Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg is a striking example of early 18th-century military architecture, designed by Domenico Trezzini between 1706 and 1740. It follows the star fortress design, a defensive style popular in Europe at the time, characterized by hexagonal walls and bastions for optimal protection. The most iconic structure within the fortress is the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which showcases early Russian Baroque architecture. 

                            

Its golden spire, reaching 122.5 meters, is one of St. Petersburg’s defining landmarks. The cathedral’s interior is richly decorated with ornate iconostasis, gilded carvings, and marble tombs, housing the remains of Russian emperors. Other buildings within the fortress reflect a mix of Baroque and Neoclassical influences, evolving over the centuries as the site transitioned from a military stronghold to a museum complex.

                             

The Peter and Paul Fortress is a masterpiece of early 18th-century military architecture, designed by Domenico Trezzini. Here are its key architectural features:

Star Fortress Design: Built in a hexagonal shape with six bastions, following the European star fortress style for optimal defense.

                              

Peter and Paul Cathedral: A stunning example of early Russian Baroque, featuring a 122.5-meter golden spire, making it one of St. Petersburg’s most recognizable landmarks.

Trubetskoy Bastion Prison: A grim structure that once held political prisoners, including Dostoevsky and Trotsky.

                             

Ioannovskiy Ravelin: The main entrance, featuring massive gates and defensive walls.

Kronverkskaya Curtain Wall: A fortified section that once housed leaders of the Decembrist Uprising.

Grand-Ducal Burial Vault: Built in the 20th century to house the tombs of junior members of the Romanov family.

                           

Petrovskiy Gate: One of the oldest surviving structures, built to commemorate victory in the Great Northern War.

Attractions to Visit:

The Peter and Paul Fortress is packed with fascinating attractions that showcase St. Petersburg’s imperial and military history. Here are some must-visit spots:

Peter and Paul Cathedral – The burial site of Russian emperors, featuring stunning Baroque architecture and a 122.5-meter golden spire. Explore more.

Trubetskoy Bastion Prison – Visitors can experience the Trubetskoy Bastion, recreated exactly as it was in Tsarist times. As well as exploring the prison and cells, you can view photographs and archive materials of the prisoners who languished in this dank and dark place.

Petrovskiy Gate – The fortress’s main entrance, adorned with intricate reliefs celebrating Peter the Great’s victories.

Ioannovskiy Ravelin – A defensive structure with massive gates, showcasing the fortress’s military design.

Mint Building – Historically used for coin production, reflecting Russia’s economic history.

Beachfront & Walls –A walk around the perimeter of the Peter and Paul Fortress will allow you to appreciate the monumental architecture of its bastions and gates. You can also enjoy the small sandy beach on the bank of the Neva.

Peter and Paul Cathedral

A visit to the cathedral will give you a glimpse of those who shaped Russia’s history. Imperial graves from Peter the Great to Alexander III lie in the main church, and the remains of Nicholas II and his family lie in the adjoining Catherine Chapel. There is also a small exhibition detailing the history of the Romanov family. The magnificent interior showcases former imperial opulence; the centrepiece is undoubtedly the gilded iconostasis. It is possible to climb the bell-tower on a guided tour for an unparalleled view over the city.

Why Visit Peter and Paul Fortress

Visiting the Peter and Paul Fortress is a must for anyone interested in imperial history, architecture, and panoramic views of St. Petersburg. Peter and Paul Fortress has stunning vistas of the Neva River, plus a beachfront where locals sunbathe in summer. Peter and Paul Cathedral is the final resting place of Russian emperors, including Peter the Great. It is the birthplace of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and is a star fortress with Baroque and Neoclassical influences. It’s a cultural treasure trove that blends history, architecture, and scenic beauty.