THE PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS

The Peter and Paul Fortress was founded by Peter the Great on a small island in the Neva delta on May 27, 1703 (May 16 according to the old calendar), which is now marked as St. Petersburg's City Day. From 1721, the fortress housed part of the city's garrison and also famously served as a high security political jail - among the first inmates was Peter's own rebellious son Alexei. More pleasantly, the Peter and Paul Fortress is home to the Peter and Paul Cathedral, a church where almost all the Russian Emperors and Empresses from Peter the Great to Nicholas are buried. The Cathedral was the first church in the city to be built of stone (in 1712-33).

Next: The Cabin of Peter the Great

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