Saint Petersburg Off The Beaten Path

Holy Trinity Alexander Nevskiy Lavra is a historical monastery in Saint Petersburg established in 1710, known for its neoclassical cathedral and notable cemeteries.

Rostral'naya Kolonna features towering columns along the Neva River, built in the 1800s. Their Greek Revival style and maritime motifs symbolize Saint Petersburg's rich naval history.

New Holland Island is an island located in Saint Petersburg, surrounded by the Moika River, Kryukov Canal, and Admiralty Canal. It showcases early classical industrial architecture and has an area of 7.8 hectares, offering a blend of history and natural beauty.

The Buddhist Temple in Saint Petersburg is a beautiful functioning datsan, showcasing lovely mosaics in its main prayer hall. Built between 1909 and 1915, the temple has a rich history of support from Buddhists across Russia and even the Dalai Lama.

Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery honors nearly half a million civilians who died during the 900-day Siege of Leningrad. The site features mass graves, an eternal flame, and a statue of the Motherland, along with photographs and documents that tell the story of this tragic period.

Yelagin Island is a beautiful car-free island in Saint Petersburg. In winter, it turns into a snowy playground for activities like sledding and ice skating.