Unusual and interesting places in the Leningrad region. Beautiful places in the Leningrad region Interesting places for walks in the Leningrad region
The Leningrad region is one of the most interesting, beautiful and rich in attractions in Russia. Medieval castles and fortresses, impregnable forts and monuments of ancient Russian architecture, magnificent palace and park ensembles of Russian emperors and members of their families, aristocracies, famous Orthodox shrines, beautiful places of northern harsh nature and nature reserves - all this is harmoniously combined in the Leningrad region.
Vyborg Castle
Vyborg Castle is one of the most ancient military fortifications in the Leningrad region, which has survived amazingly intact to this day. It was erected in 1293 by the Swedes on a small island in the Gulf of Finland in the habitat of the Korela tribe.
The first Slavic-Korelian settlement existed here back in the 11th century. And the Vyborg Castle and the city that formed around it were formed with the participation of several peoples at once: Swedes, Karelians, Russians, Germans, Finns, etc. Many times they changed hands from Russians to Swedes and back during military clashes and its location is actually meant the border between two states. After the final conquest of Vyborg by Peter I in 1740, his castle stopped participating in battles.
During the Second World War, the castle was not badly damaged, and since 1964, the USSR Ministry of Defense transferred it to the future museum for restoration and archaeological work. Since 2000, the State Museum “Vyborg Castle” has been established in this place; every year a beautiful knightly festival is held at its ancient walls with the participation of military history clubs.
Great Gatchina Palace
The Great Gatchina Palace is a beautiful architectural and park complex in Gatchina, Leningrad region, built in 1766-1781. for the rest of the imperial family. The Palace over the Silver Lake combines the classics of a country residence from the 18th-19th centuries with the themes of medieval castles.
The author of the palace project, Antonio Rinaldi, designed it in the form of a hunting castle with several towers and underground passages to service buildings. The austere stone cladding of this place contrasted strikingly with the beautiful, lush and sophisticated interior decoration.
After the revolution, this amazingly beautiful place became a museum storing more than 54 thousand unique exhibits from the tsarist period. During the Second World War, part of the collection was lost, the building was heavily damaged by bombing, and the interior decoration was completely lost. Since 1976, the palace has been reconstructed based on drawings and photographs preserved in the museum, and since 1985, 3 halls have been open to visits by residents and guests of the Leningrad region.
Sablinsky Nature Reserve
One of the most beautiful places in the Leningrad region is the Sablinsky nature reserve near the village. Ulyanovka, founded in 1976. Its territory of 220 hectares has a delightfully beautiful combination of rocks and canyons, mountain rivers and waterfalls, underground lakes and caves with intricate labyrinths of passages.
The most famous objects and beautiful places of the reserve: Tosnensky and Sablinsky waterfalls with the canyons of the rivers that created them; former estate of A.K. Tolstoy, 3 mounds, caves of artificial origin. From the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 20th centuries. In the Sablinsky catacombs, white quartz sandstone was intensively mined for glass production during the construction boom in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. As a result, 7 caves were formed - 4 large and 7 smaller.
Tikhvin Mother of God Assumption Monastery
One of the most amazing and beautiful religious places in the Leningrad region is the Tikhvin Mother of God Assumption Monastery, founded in the city of Tikhvin in 1560 by decree of Ivan IV the Terrible. The main holy property of the monastery is the miraculous Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God Hodegetria, one of the most revered in Orthodoxy, painted, according to legend, by the Evangelist Luke of the Virgin Mary during his lifetime.
According to legend, the icon was miraculously transported from Constantinople to Rus', appeared over Lake Ladoga and flew to the Tikhvinka River, at this place it was decided to build a temple in its honor, at which a monastery was later opened.
In troubled times, the monastery was besieged more than once and was subjected to looting and destruction, the wooden buildings of the Assumption Church burned, but each time the miraculous icon magically remained intact. In the 1920s the monastery complex was closed, and the icon was sent to Pskov from occupied Tikhvin. Since 1944 it was stored in Riga. Since 1995, the monastery has been re-opened, and the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God was returned to Tikhvin in 2004.
Pavlovsk Museum-Reserve
Another unique and beautiful place in the Leningrad region is the palace and park ensemble of the 17th-19th centuries. in the city of Pavlovsk. Pavlovsk Palace, the center of the entire museum-reserve, was the favorite summer palace of Emperor Paul I. Pavlovsk Park is one of the largest landscape parks in Europe, occupies about 600 hectares and is freely spread out on both banks of the river. Slavs.
The construction of the Pavlovsk Palace and its beautiful park in the English style began in 1782 and lasted more than 50 years, during which time there were 3 generations of architects (C. Cameron, V. Brenna, A. Voronikhin) and designers. Currently, this place is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
During the Second World War, this beautiful historical place was occupied by the Germans along with the city, many valuable exhibits were taken away, and the building itself was set on fire during the retreat by the invaders. But already in 1957, several halls in the palace were opened to the public, and in 1978 the restoration was completely completed.
Monrepos Park
The Monrepos estate with a park is the former estate of the Swedish barons Nikolai on Tverdysh Island on the Vyborg Bay in the Leningrad Region. The park around the manor house is one of the most beautiful landscape parks in Europe with numerous benches, gazebos, paths and lawns.
In the center of the park on the bay is the Island of the Dead, which can only be reached by boat. The decorative Ludwigstein Castle was built on the island. The museum-reserve in the Monrepos estate was organized in 1988.
Centuries-old trees, amazingly beautiful sculptures, horseback riding and picturesque views of the bay will be an excellent backdrop for a summer walk in the fresh air. Here you can’t hear the bustle of the city, and walks will charge you with energy for the long days ahead.
1. Alexandria Park
The last rays of the sun, centuries-old groves of old oaks, the “music of water” of the stream, the expanses of meadows under the bottomless sky merging with the bay - all this is Alexandria, the family nest of four generations of the Romanov dynasty. The park is divided into two parts: the lower terrace adjacent to the Gulf of Finland, and the upper one, on which the main architectural monuments are located: the Cottage, the Farmers' Palace and the Chapel.
Opening hours: from 9.00 to 22.00
Price:
for adults (weekdays/weekends and holidays) – 100/150 rubles
for students (weekdays/weekends and holidays) – 50/50 rubles
2. Lower Park of Peterhof
This is the most famous part of the palace and park complex. It was this wonderful ensemble with its architectural monuments, fountains and sculptural decorations that brought world fame to the museum-reserve. Despite the fact that the fountains will stop working very soon (October 12), a walk through this strictly symmetrical park, similar to the park in Versailles, will not leave anyone indifferent at any time of the year.
Opening hours: from 9.00 to 20.00
Price:
for adults (on weekdays/weekends/after the fountains are turned off from 18:00) – 300/400/50 rubles
for students (on weekdays/weekends/after the fountains are turned off from 18:00) – 150/200/20 rubles
Address: Peterhof, st. Adjustable, 2
3. Park of the Gatchina Palace
Gatchina Palace Park is one of the most beautiful and mysterious suburban parks in St. Petersburg. By the way, this is the first landscape park in Russia. That’s why it’s so pleasant to stroll along its alleys, lake shores and clearings at any time of the year. The construction of the park was led by Antonio Rinaldi. Next to the Great Gatchina Palace is the Priory Palace, which became the center of another picturesque park located on the shore of the lake.
Opening hours: daily from 10.00 to 18.00, closed on Mondays
Sanitary day is the first Tuesday of the month.
Address: Gatchina, Krasnoarmeysky Prospekt, 1
4. State Museum-Reserve "Pavlovsk"
This park is less ostentatious than others. The sculptures in the park bear the centuries-old patina of time. Picturesque ruins and overgrown paths make a pleasant contrast to the well-tended flower beds and pavilions. On a hill stands the luxurious palace of Paul, and squirrels frolic among the pines; they are not at all afraid of people and happily eat nuts from their hands.
Cost: adults – 150 rubles, students – 80 rubles
Address: Pavlovsk, st. Sadovaya, 20
5. Mon Repos Nature Reserve
You can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes in the only rocky landscape park in Russia, which is located in the northern part of the city of Vyborg. Its landscapes are truly unique, and every corner of it evokes inspiration, admiration and peace. It’s not for nothing that its name is translated from French as “my rest.” This is what one of the commandants of Vyborg called this place, who laid the foundations of the park back in the eighteenth century.
Phone: (813 78) 2 59 97, 2 05 39
Ticket price is 50 rubles.
Address: Vyborg
6. Zelenogorsk Park of Culture and Leisure
Here you can either simply take a walk in the fresh air, admiring the landscapes of snow-covered nature, or actively relax - the park has attractions, an ice skating rink and a museum of vintage cars. For lovers of active recreation, there are basketball and volleyball courts, mini-golf and mini-football fields, tennis courts, a skateboard area, billiards and table tennis. There is a sports equipment rental base.
Free admission
Address: Zelenogorsk, Primorskoe highway, 536
7. Catherine Park
Walking through the most beautiful monument of world gardening art of the 18th – 20th centuries, you experience a lot of pleasant emotions and pleasure from its picturesque nature. In the regular part of the Catherine Park there are white marble statues of mythological heroes performed by Italian masters. There you can find an Amazon leaning on a shield with an image of an eagle fighting a lion carved on it (a symbol of Russia’s victory over Sweden), a statue of Hercules, in whose guise Peter I was depicted. Well, Galatea sitting on a dolphin, and a statue of the wife of the god of the seas Poseidon – Amphitrite – will not leave anyone indifferent. In addition, the park contains many unique architectural monuments.
Opening hours: from 7:00 to 21:00
Price:
Adults – 120 rub. lei
Students, members of the unions of artists, architects, designers of Russia, cadets, military personnel - 60 rubles.
Students (including schoolchildren, students of secondary specialized educational institutions) – 60 rubles.
Pensioners of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus – 30 rubles.
Address: Pushkin, st. Sadovaya, building 7
8. Alexander Park
More modest, not so magnificent, unlike the Catherine Park Ensemble, this park is nevertheless perfect for romantic walks. In addition to walking, you can go horseback riding here.
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00
Price:
Adults – 300 rubles
Pensioners of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, cadets, conscripts, members of the unions of artists, architects, designers of Russia - 150 rubles.
Students – 150 rubles
Students (including schoolchildren) – 150 rubles
Address: Pushkin, st. Dvortsovaya, 2
9. Estate "Znamenka"
The picturesque estate is located near the Peterhof Alexandria Park. This is a great place for quiet walks under the setting sun.
Address: Peterhof, sh. St. Petersburg, 115
The Leningrad region is rich in its natural and architectural attractions. Many of them are popular not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. Palaces, ancient castles, Orthodox churches and nature reserves - all this is in this beautiful and world-famous region. Below are the most beautiful and interesting places in the Leningrad region.
The most interesting places in the Leningrad region
Peterhof
This palace and park ensemble is one of the most beautiful places in the Leningrad region, all of Russia and even Europe. Located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland. Divided into lower and upper parks. During the war, most of the monuments of Peterhof were destroyed, but thanks to incredible efforts, many of them were restored. Restoration continues today.
Many compare this place with Versailles, which is located in France. European architecture, large and beautiful fountains, neatly trimmed lawns, beautiful alleys, palaces - all this creates the impression of a small Europe. You can walk around Peterhof from morning to evening, but even a whole day is not enough to fully enjoy the beauty of this place. This is a unique architectural park that every tourist should visit.
Palace Bridge (St. Petersburg)
One of the main attractions of the city on the Neva. The bridge was built in 1916. Connects the city center with Vasilyevsky Island. The bridge is being raised at night. During your trip to St. Petersburg, you should definitely set aside a few hours to see this spectacle. Just remember to take a position in the part of the city where your home is located.
Vyborg Castle
One of the oldest castles and simply a beautiful place in the Leningrad region. Vyborg Castle was built in 1293. Located on a small island in the Gulf of Finland. It is the only European-type castle in Russia. At different times the castle belonged to Sweden and Russia. Finally gained a foothold in Russia in 1740. Today the building is called the State Museum “Vyborg Castle”.
Fedorovsky town
This beautiful town in the Leningrad region is a complex of buildings in the style of the 17th century. Located in the city of Pushkin. The town has military barracks, Orthodox shrines, a refectory and even an old laundry. Despite the appearance of the city from the 15th-16th centuries, Fedorovsky town was built in 1913, with the money of wealthy people. Today the place is in a dilapidated state, but this does not deter tourists. On the contrary, thanks to this condition the city has a realistic appearance. The complex operates 24 hours a day and is always open to the public. A great place for lovers of ancient cities! Near the town there are a number of other interesting attractions: Alexander Palace, White Tower, Fedorovsky Cathedral.
Fortress Oreshek
Another attraction of ancient Russian architecture in Russia. The fortress is located on a picturesque island at the source of the Neva River, near the city of Shlisselburg. Founded in 1323. In the period from 1612 to 1702 the fortress was under Swedish rule. Recaptured by Russian troops during the Northern War. In the 18th and 19th centuries, members of the royal family and people close to it were kept in the fortress. Since the 18th century, there has also been a prison where many famous political figures were held. The island, although small, is very picturesque and differs from other similar places, having a truly fabulous appearance.
Radon lakes
This beautiful natural attraction of the Leningrad region is located in the Lomonosov district. The lakes have sky-blue water and fascinate with their beauty. The water in the lake is crystal clear, there is almost no vegetation at the bottom. In addition, radon lakes have healing properties. They are formed from numerous streams and springs. The lakes are located inside a picturesque canyon. Fresh air, tranquility and incredible beauty of nature - this is how you can characterize this beautiful place.
Oredezh caves
A truly unique natural monument located near the village of Borshchevo. Long tunnels, intricate underground passages, multi-colored sand - this is what you will see when visiting the Oredezh caves. Many years ago, underground passages went 15 km deep, but today the Oredezh caves are only a few hundred meters deep. And even now the caves have incredible beauty and extraordinary structure. The sand is soft underfoot and the walls have an impressive contrast of colors. The underground passages here are so beautiful that you can admire them all day without interruption.
Church of the Intercession
A unique architectural landmark of the region. The temple was erected in 1708. The beautiful Church of the Intercession is one of the outstanding achievements of Russian architects. In 1963, the church was destroyed by fire and was never restored until the 21st century.
The temple was restored only in 2006. The church is made of wood. Its height is 19 m, length - 32 m, width - 30 m, number of chapters - 25. It is located in the Nevsky Forest Park. The temple is part of the Bogoslovka Estate complex, where the Spasskaya Church and a number of other buildings will also be restored. The complex has a fascinating appearance and fully embodies the masterpieces of Russian architecture.
Great Gatchina Palace
It is located in the city of Gatchina and is a prominent representative of classicism. Construction of the palace took place from 1766 to 1781. The design of the palace was made according to the designs of Italian architects led by Antonio Renaldi. The palace has many rooms, galleries, long corridors, etc. Everything here resembles the real Middle Ages. The Great Gatchina Palace was one of the favorite vacation spots of the royal family.
Before the revolution and war, the palace was rebuilt several times. During the revolution, the palace was not damaged, but was converted into a museum. During the Great Patriotic War, the palace suffered a fire. Most of the exhibits were destroyed by the occupiers. Restoration of the palace continues to this day. Rich history, unique architecture and rich interiors - all this personifies the Great Gatchina Palace!
Konevets Island
This interesting place in the Leningrad region is located in the western part of Lake Ladoga. Combines the beauty of nature and unique architectural structures. There are several chapels and temples on the island. The main building is the Konevsky Monastery, founded in 1393. Konevets is a place of regular pilgrimage. Today it is considered as one of the centers of Orthodoxy in the western part of Russia.
There are no majestic natural attractions on the island, but the tranquil scenery, fresh air and beautiful landscape warm the soul and allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of nature.
The Leningrad region is rich in interesting and beautiful sights. This is truly unique and one of the most beautiful regions of Russia. It combines history, architecture, unique natural creations and much more. Every tourist is obliged to visit at least a few sights of the Leningrad region.
