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Peter and Paul Fortress (Petropavlovskaya Krepost)
Peter and Paul Fortress (Petropavlovskaya Krepost)

Peter and Paul Fortress (Petropavlovskaya Krepost)

The looming yellow cathedral tower and star-shaped fortifications of the Peter and Paul Fortress dominate St. Petersburg’s riverfront, rising up from the shores of Zayachy Island. Built by Peter the Great in 1703, the fortress boasts a long history, having served as a military base, royal burial site, and political prison.

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Zayachy (Hare) Island, St Petersburg

The Basics

Give yourself time to explore the vast Peter and Paul Fortress or join a tour to learn its history. Admire the cathedral's lavish interiors, home to the tombs of Peter the Great and Tsar Nicholas II; stop by the statue of Peter the Great; and peek inside Trubetskoy Bastion prison. After exploring the museums and exhibitions, take a walk along the fortress walls for a view over the Winter Palace and St. Petersburg.

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Things to Know Before You Go

  • A visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress is a must for history buffs and first-time visitors to St. Petersburg.

  • Some of the best views of the fortress are from the water—sail past on a Neva River cruise.

  • Ticket lines for attractions at Peter and Paul Fortress can be long, with waits of over an hour at peak times. Save time by purchasing entrance tickets in advance or joining a tour.

  • Entrance to the fortress itself is free. Admission fees apply for individual attractions, and combination tickets are available. Entrance is included with the St. Petersburg Card.

  • There are a few restaurants and cafes on the island.

  • The Fortress is largely accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, although there are cobblestone streets throughout, and some attractions such as the Fortress Walls are not accessible.

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How to Get There

Peter and Paul Fortress is located on Zayachy Island, reachable via two walking bridges (Ioannovskiy and Kronverk) from the north bank of the Neva River. The closest metro station is Gorkovskaya (Line 2), from where it’s about a 5-minute walk across the Ioannovsky Bridge to reach the fortress. The main ticket office is located by the Peter and Paul Cathedral—just look up to see its distinctive yellow spire from anywhere on the island.

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Trip ideas

Top Parks and Gardens in St. Petersburg

Top Parks and Gardens in St. Petersburg

You’re never far from nature in St. Petersburg, one of Russia’s greenest cities. From the landscaped gardens of Peterhof to the urban greenery of Maritime Victory Park, these are our favorites.

When to Get There

The Peter and Paul Fortress is one of St. Petersburg’s most visited attractions, so make an early start to avoid crowds if you visit in summer. Warm-weather visitors can also enjoy sunbathing on the sandy beaches by the fortress walls. The Cathedral is closed on Wednesdays.

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Museums of the Peter and Paul Fortress

The fortress is part of the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg, and there are a number of different museums and exhibitions in its various buildings. Visit the Museum of Space Exploration and Rocket Technology and Keramarkh Museum of Ceramics, which showcases Russia’s 18th and 19th decorative ceramic tilework. Learn about everyday life in 18th and 19th-century Russia at the Commandant’s House, and check out the permanent display at the permanent exhibition, History of Peter and Paul Fortress.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Peter and Paul Fortress (Petropavlovskaya Krepost)?
A:
Attractions near Peter and Paul Fortress (Petropavlovskaya Krepost):
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in St Petersburg?
A:
As well as visiting the Peter and Paul Fortress (Petropavlovskaya Krepost), check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit:

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