45 St Petersburg
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The famous Russian novelist Dostoyevsky wrote that St Petersburg is the perfect mix of intellect, spirituality and sensuality. While on holiday here, one can see palaces and museums everywhere. Many palaces were constructed as architectural wonders during the 'Golden Age' under the leadership of Catherine the Great. The Winter Palace is one of the grandest in all of Europe.

The heart of St Petersburg is called the Golden Triangle. The Neva River forms the northern border, while the city's main avenue called Nevsky Prospekt lies at its southern end. The locals throng the shops and the nightclubs along the Nevsky. The State Hermitage Museum is an important monument within the Golden Triangle and is spread across five buildings; the main one lies in the Winter Palace and is filled with artistic treasures by the European masters.

Another site of interest in this area is the Summer Garden, with its beautiful marble statues and rare plants. It is here that the Fontanka River breaks away from the Neva. The Golden Triangle is the most expensive piece of real estate in St Petersburg, so rent an apartment here and feel like a rich local!

St Isaac's Cathedral is the largest among the religious structures spread around the city. It boasts of ornate interiors and a colonnade that offers stunning views all around. Right opposite is the lavish Mariinskiy Palace which houses the Legislative Assembly. The statue of the Bronze Horseman nearby is erected in honor of Czar Peter, also known as Peter the Great, who founded this city and gave it his name. St Petersburg is considered the cultural capital of Russia because of its immense contribution to art, music, theater and literature for over three centuries. The first scientific museum founded by Peter the Great is the Kunstkammer. Tourists can appreciate a world-class ballet or opera performance at the Mariinsky Theater.

Public transport is well planned; the short inter-city distances can be covered by buses, trams and trolleybuses, while the metro services longer journeys. Taxis are available but they are expensive. The city is built over 100 islands and has more than 500 bridges. The canals have given it the nickname Venice of the North. A relaxing cruise along the Neva River offers a good chance of spotting the most important landmarks and monuments.