Lyuba from Russia sent me an official postcard with
the view of Peter and Paul Fortress, Saint Petersburg!
Once a desolate swamp, Saint Petersburg is considered
to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, being an important center
of tourism in Russia. It was named in honor of St. Peter and not Peter the Great,
the founder of the city. The name can be translated as "The City of St.
Peter". Sometimes it is called "The Northern Capital of Russia"
(referring to the centuries-old rivalry between St. Petersburg and Moscow). Saint-Petersburg
is the second largest city in Russia with a population of about 5 million
people. This is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth and
virtually any building in the large historic center, threaded with canals
dotted with baroque bridges, can be considered an attraction—and indeed, it is
a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the mysterious twilight of the White Nights to
world-beating opera and ballet productions on magical winter evenings, St.
Petersburg charms and entices in every season.
On the postcard – one of the main places of interest
in Saint Petersburg, Peter and Paul Fortress. The Peter and Paul Fortress is
the original citadel of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and
built to Domenico Trezzini's designs from 1706-1740. In the early 20th century,
it was still used as a prison by the tsarist government. In the middle of the
fortress stands the impressive Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial place of
all the Russian Emperors and Empresses from Peter the Great to Alexander III.
The Cathedral was the first church in the city to be built of stone (between
1712-33) and its design is curiously unusual for a Russian Orthodox church.
Other buildings in the fortress include the City History Museum and the Mint,
one of only two places in Russia where coins and medals are minted.
The stamp is dedicated to the 175 anniversary of the
first postal stamp (Black penny).
The link is here:
Thanks a lot, Lyuba!
No comments:
Post a Comment