Tour Peter and Paul’s Fortress

The fortress was the first construction on the territory of the city. Actually with the foundation of the fortress city got its start in 1703. Initially Peter and Paul Fortress was built of earth and wood, later it was rebuilt of stone. The fortress was made to protect the lands during Northern War that lasted for 21 year (from 1700 to 1721). The war was for the territory that belonged to Russia but in the first quarter of the 17th century had been given to Sweden. Peter the Great who became the tzar in the late 17th century understood very well that the country could not develop without an access to the main trading routes. He started the war against Sweden for this territory.

This fortress has been never attacked by enemies. A year later in 1704 Peter I began the construction of another fortress on the island in the Gulf of Finland. The fortress was called Kronshtadt – the crown city. That fortress actually repelled all the attacks of enemies. Peter and Paul’s Fortress was turned into the political prison.
The fortress got the name of Saint Peter. Later it gave its name to the city that grew under its walls and to the cathedral that was built in the fortress.

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is the most important example of Petrine baroque and the tallest structure (after the TV tower) in the city. From the foundation of St. Petersburg it served as a burial place for the members of Romanov Imperial House.

Nowadays the fortress is the museum of Saint-Petersburg. Within the private tour of St Peter and Paul’s Fortress you will visit the fortress itself and will have two inside tours – of its Cathedral and the prison. The tour inside St. Peter and Paul’s Fortress alone is very short (about 1 hour), that is why usually we combine it with City Tour. Book more than one tour with us to get a great discount!

Please have a look at our guests’ testimonials.

The price includes a professional English-speaking guide for three hours, tickets to Peter and Paul’s fortress for everyone.

Transportation is not included. If needed for three hours it is 85USD.

Group size (number of people). Price per person.