This picture is taken by smartphone’s camera
Come and get your best shot of St.Petersburg!
This place
The Arch of the General Staff Building is absolutely unique site that connects the main street and square – Nevsky Prospect and Palace Square. Walking down this short street, we can see the magnificent Triumphal Arch but cannot see where this arch leads. What awaits us around the turn?
Step by step an icredible panorama of the Winter Palace and Alexander Column becomes visible and finally the whole glory of Palace Square lies before us. An amazing architectural route to one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
Now it`s Christmas time so all the roads lead to the main Christmas tree!
Interesting fact: Did you know that in Russia, first, we celebrate New Year and then Orthodox Christmas? Therefore, here in Saint-Petersburg the holidays only begin on December 31st, however, they last until January 9th.
This day
On December 16th, 1798 the streets of St. Petersburg were quite crowded. A magnificent cortege of court carriages, escorted by cavaliers, headed to the Winter Palace. In the Throne Room Emperor Paul I and Empress Maria Feodorovna awaited the honored guests.
These were the Maltese knights, dressed in black robes and hats with ostrich feathers. One of the knights carried a purple velvet cushion with a golden crown, and the second – a pillow with a sword and a golden hilt, or “dagger of faith.” They addressed the Emperor with a request to assume the title of Grand Master of the Order. Emperor Paul I consented to the request of the knights and donned the crown of the Grand Master. At this moment, all the Maltese knights bared their swords and raised them up.
Since then, Russia and the Sovereign Order of Malta maintain diplomatic relations.
