Daily Canon Shot at Peter and Paul's Fortress + Museum of Revolution (5 hours) - uVisitRussia
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Daily Canon Shot at Peter and Paul's Fortress + Museum of Revolution (5 hours)

Visit Peter and Paul Fortress in St Petersburg with a private guide and learn about its rich history! The sprawling site is fascinating to explore, with old prison buildings and an ornate Baroque cathedral. Visit Trubetskoy Bastion, a prison-turned-museum and gaze in awe at the extravagant interior of Peter and Paul Cathedral where Tsar Peter the Great is buried. Then walk towards the The State Museum of Political History of Russia, which is located right nearby to continue exploring Russian history.
  • See the highlights of Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral, the oldest building in the city
  • Learn about the building’s 18th-century history as you walk around
  • Visit Trubetskoy Bastion, a prison museum and former torture chamber
  • Marvel at the opulent interior of Peter and Paul Cathedral
  • Visit The State Museum of Political History of Russia
  • Enjoy a flexible itinerary and personalized attention from a guide

This private tour introduces you to one of the most beautiful and fascinating landmarks in St Petersburg – Peter and Paul Fortress! Your private guide will ensure you’ll have a personal and in-depth experience while regaling you with stories about the site’s past.

Arrange your private tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress to start at a time to suit your schedule. Once inside the attraction, your itinerary is flexible, so if there’s something you want to see more of, simply let your guide know.

Head inside and start exploring, learning about the impressive building’s history. The oldest structure in St Petersburg, the fortress was built in the 1700s to defend against an invasion by the Swedes. The attack never came, and the site went on to be used as a prison until as recently as 1917.

Visit Trubetskoy Bastion, one of the old prison blocks, and hear how it served as the main political prison of the Russian Empire as well as a torture chamber for the secret services. Whereas it once symbolized political repression, the building is now a museum that charts the history of its former inmates. Browse the exhibits with your guide as you walk around.

Continue to the Russian Orthodox Peter and Paul Cathedral, and marvel at its Baroque interior – a standout feature that sets it apart from the city’s other Orthodox cathedrals. Look up toward the bell tower and visit the tombs of emperors and eminent Russians like Tsar Peter the Great. 

The Peter and Paul Fortress is also the centre of a number of St. Petersburg urban traditions, among them the daily firing of the cannon from the Naryshkin Bastion at noon. Many people come here to witness the noon cannon shot, which is a daily tradition since the 19th century. Every day at 12 o'clock a cannon fires a blank shot from the Naryshkin Bastion of the Peter and Paul Fortress. This tradition originates from Peter's epoch, when the cannons announced the beginning and the end of the working day, alerted the local citizens about the floods and marked important state events. Between 1873 and 1934 the gun was fired from the Naryshkin bastion at noon for the citizens to synchronize their watches. Then the tradition was eradicated and, after the 20-year gap, was revived in 1957, during the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the city’s foundation. Today this tradition to celebrate the noon with an artillery shot - is the unique of its kind, you won't see it anywhere in the world.

The majestic view of the granite walls surrounding the golden-spired Peter and Paul Cathedral will stay in your memory forever. The angel on top of the steeple is our protector and a symbol of St. Petersburg. 

After exploring the fortress and its various sites, continue to The State Museum of Political History of Russia - the museum of national significance, which has already celebrated its centenary, keeps evidence of Russia’s political life from the late 18th till the early 21st century. The Museum collection counts over 460,000 items. They reflect the history of the state system reforming, fates of the most prominent historical figures, processes of development of revolutionary, democratic, social and political movements and parties.

Type: Private Tour
Duration: 5 hours
Departure time: 10:30 AM

Important info

Price includes
  • Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
  • Entrance fee to Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral
  • Entrance fee to Trubetskoy Bastion
  • Entrance fee to The State Museum of Political History of Russia
Not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities to guide/driver (optional)
  • Hotel pick up and drop-off (*available for additional charge)
Additional info
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved
  • It is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes
Departure and Return
Departure point: metro station "Gorkovskaya"
Return point: the tour concludes at the State Museum of Political History of Russia

Sights included in program

Saint Petersburg : Peter and Paul Fortress
Located on the banks of the beautiful Neva River, the towering Peter and Paul Fortress dominates the skyline of St Petersburg. Built in 18th century, this amazing fortress is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the city's rich history. The oldest building in St Petersburg, the grandiose Peter and Paul Fortress is the perfect destination for culture seekers and history buffs. Planned by Peter the Great as a defense against possible atta... Read more
The building of the Peter and Paul Fortress in 1703 marks the founding of the city of St. Petersburg. The fortress has become one of the city's main attractions thanks to its many historic buildings. Read more
This was the main political prison of Tsarist Russia which was built in 1872, and prior to this political prisoners (including the son of Peter the Great, Princess Tarakanova, and the Decembrists) were held in various locations on the island. To isolate the prisoners, architects designed a two-storey, pentagonal building with 72 individual cells placed in a circle. The cells were measured out by 10 steps diagonally, and 6 steps long. Read more

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US$ 103.96
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Price for persons:

Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get 8% discount and get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis.
In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

Once you complete your reservation, we will send you a booking confirmation email. As the day of the tour approaches, our logistics team will provide you with all relevant information for your tour.

Speak to an expert
Call us now

+1 (888) 845-8877

Speak to an expert
Call us now

+1 (888) 845-8877

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