Saint-Petersburg

The fortress "Oreshek" was built in the 14th century by Novgorod citizens. In the 17th century it was conquered by the Swedes after a long siege and was called by them Noteburg ("Nut-Fortress"). But it was returned to Russia by Peter the Great during the Great Northern War and renamed to Shlisselburg, meaning Key-Fortress - a key to future wins in the Great Northern War and on the way to the Baltic Sea. Then the fortress became a political prison and a lot of famous terrorists and criminals were imprisoned here. Lenin's brother, terrorist Alexander Ulyanov, who attempted to assassinate Emperor Alexander III, was hanged here. During the Great Patriotic war Shlisselburg fortress was defending itself and heroically resisted for 500 days and did not let the ring of blockade around Leningrad close. The fortress garrison contributed to the city of Shlisselburg liberation, which in 1944 was renamed to Petrokrepost. Since 1966 Shlisselburg Fortress (Oreshek) has become a museum.

A small beautiful island is situated at a place where the Neva River starts its flow from lake Ladoga. The island as well as the fortress is called Oreshek. Have a look at the sunlit sceneries of Ladoga beeches, fortress walls, bright blue sky and picturesque ruins.

Palms, lemons, bamboo, eucalyptus and many different exotic and not exotic plants.

Greenhouse “Subtropics”of St.Petersburg Botanical gardens. The first part of the album is represented mostly by azaleas whose bloom attracts huge number of spectators. There are also photos of other representatives of subtropical flora - no less beautiful.

Ivangorod fortress was built in 1492 by Ivan III for protection from Livonian and Swedish forces. That’s why it was erected on the bank of the river Narova opposite knight’s castle Narva. At first the fortress was small. There is even a legend that it was built on the territory of a horse-skin cut into pieces. Then the fortress grew and was rebuilt. Several times both Narva and Ivangorod passed into the hands of the Russians and the Swedes. Only during the North war in 1704 Peter I managed to return Narva and Ivangorod to Russia. During World War II the fortress suffered from the nazi who blew it up when retreating and from numerous battle bombardments. Nevertheless now the fortress looks rather majestically. It is a pity that the castle of Narva is not so easy to visit – the visa to Estonia is necessary.

Fortress Koporie is one of the ancient fortresses of the North-West of Russia. It was founded in 1240 by the Germans and by the year 1241 was destroyed by prince Alexander Nevsky. At that time these places belonged to Novgorod. In 1280 inhabitants of Novgorod built a new stone fortress at this place. However 2 years later they destroyed the fortress themselves because of the disagreements with the local price. Up to Livonian war (XV cent) the fortress was a defense center of Novgorod. In 1297 citizens of Novgorod rebuilt the fortress for protection from the Swedes invasions. In 1581 the Swedes occupy the fortress, but in 1591 Russian troops return it back. In 1612 (times of distemper) 2 thousand Swedes besieged Koporie and after that the garrison surrendered. Under Stolbosvky treaty of 1617 the fortress was transferred to the Swedes. In 1656 the Russians tried to return it, but failed. It was a successfully done only in 1703 by Peter the Great. With moving away of Russian boundaries to the West Koporie lost its strategic war meaning and in 1763 it was abolished as a fortress. It has become a museum now and is in a great state of desolation. However historical walls preserved well. Money at the entrance is gathered – may be something will be restored soon.

Splendid vases, furniture, clocks and sculpture. Besides magnificent decoration of halls every piece of palace interior is a work of art.

Alexander Palace has a 2 hundred years history and is situated on the territory of architecture ensemble of Tzarskoe Selo in the northern part of Alexander Park among picturesque landscapes. It is called Alexandrovsky or New or Tsarskoselsky Palace. It was founded in 1792 by empress Catherine will and presented at the marriage of her first and favorite grandson prince Alexander Pavlovich (emperor Alexander I in future) and grand princess Elizabeth Alekseevna (1779-1826). After the revolution of 1905, Alexandrovsky Palace became a permanent residence of emperor Nikolai II, who was born in Tsarskoe Selo. 22 years of reign of the last Russian emperor were spent here, in this Palace untill the morning of 1st of August 1917 when emperor’s family was sent to exile to Tobolsk.

Pictures and paintings of ceiling plafonds of Catherine Palace are presented.

Catherine Palace is one of the most luxurious palaces in Russia. Splendid halls of the palace created by famous architects Rastrelli and Stasov: Bolshoi (Great) Hall, recently restored Amber Room, Crimson and Green Stolbovaya (Drawing-Room), Green dining-room are reflected.