About Peter and Paul Cathedral And Fortress

One of St.Petersburg’s landmarks, this fortress was the first structure built and one that inaugurated the birth of the particular city. Its functional history is rich; from acting as a military base, to a governmental center, to a site of burial for the Russian Imperial family as well as acting as a jail that held some of the worst prisoners. The expansive site of Peter and Paul Fortress is fascinating to explore, with old prison buildings and an ornate baroque cathedral. It houses the infamous Trubetskoy Bastion, a prison-turned-museum, and the interiors are extravagant. The Peter and Paul Cathedral is the oldest in St. Petersburg and is the burial place for the Romanov dynasty.

Peter and Paul Fortress, affiliated with the St.Peter's Museum holds various temporary exhibitions based on the city’s past. The structure is accessible to everyone and is open every day apart from Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, and there are performances relating back to the city’s urban traditions to keep visitors entertained, such as the daily firing of the canon from the Naryshkin Bastion and the sighting of the walruses as they come to sunbathe in front of the fortress. Additionally, visitors may enjoy a walk along the beach or relax at a picnic, the site happens to be a good spot to host a variety of events such as festivals and concerts.

Must See

  • The Cathedral 
  • Trubetskoy Bastion Prison
  • The Statue of Peter the Great
  • The Museum of Space Exploration or a former prison
  • History of Petersburg-Petrograd 1703-1918” Exhibition
  • Museum of Science and Technology
  • Museum of Architectural Ceramics
  • Architectural structures such as walls, bastions, gates, statues, and the cannon shot
  • See the former torture chamber
  • Explore the grand interior of Peter and Paul Cathedral
  • Visit the Bell Tower

 

How to reach

Bus number: 46,76, 183, 223

 The easiest way to get to the fortress is to take the metro and the nearest metro stations are Gorkovskaya and Sportivnaya

Tram number: 6, 40One can also go by boat on the St. Petersburg waterways that stop near the fortress

Peter and Paul’s Fortress is located on Hare’s island and it is accessible on foot by crossing the bridges linking it to land Yanovsky and Kronverksky

Tips

  • The last admission to the fortress is at 5:00 p.m.
  • Exhibitions are closed on Wednesday and on Tuesday and the last admission is at 4:00 p.m.
  • There are sandy beaches outside the fortress which is an ideal place for summer
  • Photography and videography are allowed and also included in the entrance ticket
  • Only the Cathedral and grounds are wheelchair accessible
  • Hire an audio guide as most of the signs are not written in English
  • Buy a combined ticket instead of separate as it will be cheaper
  • Every day there is a cannon salute inside the fortress which happens at 12:00 p.m.
  • Tickets are available only at the ticket counter, not online or any other portal
  • Wear comfortable shoes as walking will be required
  • Using toilets can be chargeable
  • Cathedral and prison are free to access

Visit Time

Sunday:           10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Monday:          10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday:         10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday:    Closed

Thursday:        10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday:             10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday:         10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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Waiting Time

You may have to wait in the queue for tickets and entry

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

Peter & Paul Cathedral: 

Adult/Child:                                                   450/250 Rouble

Combined ticket for 5 exhibitions:                700/350 Rouble

Trubetskoy Bastion Prison:                           250 Rouble
Grounds:                                                       Free
 

Read more

 

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Time you can spend

2 to 3 hours

 

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Weather

Broken Clouds -2.1799999999999°C

 

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