‘Behold the image sit and ride, upon his brazen horse astride.’ (Pushkin)
For over 230 years The Bronze Horseman has been yet another tribute to St Petersburg’s incredible founder – Peter The Great. Peter The Great founded a city as big and diverse as he was himself.
Peter stood over seven feet tall and was a master craftsmen in 14 trades. As a young teenager he chose to labour in Holland’s shipyards. To size and skilled crafts he added the pursuit of culture – ballet, opera and theatre. In many ways St Petersburg is a reflection of his interests ….. but on a grand scale; unmatched, possibly, in any other city.
St Petersburg … born out of a swamp, to cover 40 different islands all connected by a myriad of bridges, canals and rivers, is one man’s dream realised. Almost a fairy tale creation and on a scale that would be unbelievable if written by Hans Christian Anderson. But St Petersburg is not a fairytale writer’s creation it is a real fairytale city. St Petersburg is a collection of palaces, mansions and museums connected by creative talent in art, literature, ballet, music and nightlife.
Come summer nights the fairy tale adds daylight – it is the time of The White Nights. It seems the city does not sleep as the streets bustle night and day with life and romance.