Two blocks in from Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral was the State Russian History Museum. Most people flock to the more famous Hermitage but there are many more museums rich in artwork and history.Unlike the Hermitage this was included in my tourist card and there were no crazy line ups.The art in here was much more impressive than that in the Hermitage. Most were room size giant canvasses displaying many historical re-enactments.You probably need as much time here as...

Leaving Alexander Nevsky Cathedral I was to take the Metro back into the tourist centre. This line was interesting as unlike the more regal looking red line it had sliding steel bunker doors on the platforms.Soviet planners during the Cold War designed Metro stations to withstand nuclear attack. Hence they are so deep with long escalators down and platforms are shielded by doors to protect from any bomb blasts.Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral was easy to find as you l...

This was my second night and I was still having problems sleeping waking up at 2am despite exhaustion then falling asleep by 5am adjusting to the time difference. Last night I had back problems but today I slept a bit better.I watched tv in mute and planned my route waiting to fall asleep or head down for breakfast. This is an older Soviet conference hotel. The river facing rooms are now available for paying guests. The rear facing city views are used by large sc...

Heading back toward the Hermitage I was going to pass thru Admiralty Square and it's arches onto Nevsky Prospekt, 'the most famous street in Russia', and most expensive shopping district.I was heading to the Stroganov Palace a few blocks up. It was easy to find on the corner but I couldn't find the actual entrance at first.There were many elaborate state rooms inside with splendid works of art to enhance the grandeur.Many of the rooms have only been restored in r...

Leaving the State Hermitage Museum I was heading out along the English Embankment so that I wouldn't have to come this way again, covering the sights at this end.I was heading to the Rumyantsev Mansion which I thought was a private stately home. It was in fact now used as a museum of the occupation and siege of Leningrad the former name of St Petersburg during WWII.There were some interesting displays and a wooden upper staircase to the top floor. It was deserted...