It has been awhile since my last post. Hot Stuff and I have been going out and seeing so much lately that I've simply been too exhausted to post about anything. She definitely has a lot more energy than I do, as she has been posting a lot more about what we have seen. I, on the other hand, have been using my last bits of energy on other things that do not pertain to this blog in the slightest.

In the last week, I have been to the Memorial to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad, many churches, the Yusupov Palace, the only synagogue in Russia, and finally managed to make it to the Hermitage. It has definitely been catching up to me, so I am going to spend this post giving a small blurb about each of the places we have seen and will, hopefully, get to writing a full post in the near future.

Day 1:

Near Mayakovskaya Metro

Church of the Birth of St. John the Baptist (Chesme Church)

 This church has become famous for it's graveyard. It has been the burial place of soldiers since it's consecration. It is most famous as the burial place of the soldiers who during the Siege of Leningrad.

Statue of Lenin

 This particular statue of Lenin is apparently the largest Lenin statue in St. Petersburg at approximately 16 meters (52.5 feet) in height. Considering this statue is not very far from our next destination, it's locations seems fitting.

Memorial to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad.

This monument is incredible. It tells so much history in such little space. Along with this statue, there is an obelisk and a hall, in which, the history of the 900 day Nazi siege of Leningrad is told.

Near Lomonosovskaya Metro

Cossack Church of the Exaltation of the Church

This church stands on the site of the oldest cemeteries and churches in St. Petersburg. It is also known for having the largest Cossack congregation, which is why it is known as the Cossack Church. Unfortunately, this church is undergoing major reconstruction. I don't think this church has fully seen a service in over 100 years. In fact, I think any services on this location are reserved for the small chapels on the grounds if even that.

Volkov Cemetery (Literary Footpath)

This church was originally the location of the largest German Lutheran cemeteries. That changed, and many famous writers, poets, actors, etc. are now buried in the cemetery. The picture above is the head stone of Galina Kovalev, a Soviet and Russian (she died in 1995) opera singer and teacher.

Day 2

Central Railway Muesum

[There is no image for this one as we decided not to pay for photography. We will have to go back.]

This museum covers the history of the Russian railway system. It was very interesting and informative. If you like trains, you HAVE to go to this museum. If you don't like trains, you still need to go.

Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas

This church was built for the sailors who had settled in the area. It became a Naval Cathedral in 1762 under Catherine II. It is one of the last remaining examples of true Baroque architecture.

Ysupov Palace

This palace is amazingly beautiful. While you have to pay for photography here, I highly recommend it. I think we would have greatly regretted it otherwise. Just know that this palace can get rather crowded with tour groups.

Day 3

Kazan Cathedral

This cathedral was named after the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, which is housed there. This also used to be the location of the Museum of Religion and Atheism.

Monument to Peter the Great (The Bronze Horseman)

This statue was built by order of Catherine the Great to commemorate the greatest Russian before her to have the throne. One the side of the statue it reads Petro Primo Catharina Secunda: Latin on one side; Russian on the other.

Day 5

The Hermitage

To be more specific, we visited the Winter Palace. This is one really pretty and slightly over glorified art Gallery. Catherine the Great loved to collect art. I mean LOVED to collect art. The entire museum is covered in paintings and statues. Don't get me wrong, it is very beautiful, but I get museumed out quickly here.

Day 6

Troitskiy Cathedral

This cathedral is not only one of the most beautiful cathedrals in St. Petersburg, it also has cannons in front of it. It served as a regimental cathedral and has plaques of regimental officers who have died on its walls. This cathedral has had important icons stolen and, in 2006, it burned. Luckily many of its renowned icons were saved and there was no major damage to the cathedral outside of the copulas. Reconstruction will, most likely, be forever ongoing.

Day 7

Mariinsky Theatre.

So this hasn't actually happened yet. The play is in an hour. I will definitely tell you about it! ^_^