INSIDE THE PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS The gigantic


Peter and Paul Fortress on Zayachy Island


constitutes St Petersburg’s original historic heart. It was created under Peter the Great during the Great Northern War as a citadel to protect against Swedish attacks, and as the command centre of his empire. The day its construction began – 27 May 1703 – is considered the city’s foundation day. The complex is home to the Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in the “Petrine baroque” style


by Domenic Trezzini (c. 1670–1734) between 1712 and 1733, and is also distinguished by the tall golden spire of its 122-metre- high (400 ft) bell tower, topped with an angel-shaped weather vane. The cathedral is particularly noted for housing the imperial tombs of the Russian tsars from Peter I to Nicholas II, who are entombed in marble sarcophaguses in a side chapel.


NCL SHORE EXCURSION: PUSHKIN


Home to the Catherine Palace, with its impressive 300-metre- long (984 ft) façade, Pushkin is located 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of St Petersburg. The fairytale palace was built for Catherine I, the second wife of Peter the Great and Empress of Russia. The palace features white columns, gilded Atlas figures, arched windows and a sky-blue exterior. Inside, it houses a replica of the world famous Amber Room, considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. The entire complex sits among vast and beautiful parklands.


For more shore excursions and how to book visit: www.ncl.co.uk/excursions 17


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