St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul FortressThe Peter Gate built by Domenico Trezzini was orginally wood and later (1717-18) constructed in stone. The bas-relief above the tsarist emblem of the double-headed eagle depicts the Apostle Peter overthrowing Simon the Magnus, an allegory of Russia's victory over the Swedes.
St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul FortressThe grounds of the fortress contain an unusual and controversial statue of Peter the Great. The art work was given to the city by Russian American sculptor, Michael Chamyakin. The fortress was built during the time of the Great Northern War with Sweden (1700-21) on Zayachy or Hare Island on the Neva River.
St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul FortressThe spire of the Cathedral was the tallest structure in St. Petersburg at 400 feet until the Television Tower was built.
St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul FortressThe bust of Peter the Great sets over his tomb in the Cathedral. Many of the members of the Romanov family are also entombed in the Cathederal.
St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul FortressGold leaf covers this beautifully designed pulpit in the Cathedral.
St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul FortressThrone of Peter the Great located in the Cathedral.
St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul FortressThe baroque iconostasis was carved by Moscow craftsmen in the 1720's. It bears the figures of the archangels Gabriel and Michael.
St. Petersburg - Peter and Paul FortressIn 1717, the fortress became a prison for political prisoners and the cells are now open as museum.
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