KUNSTKAMERA (The Chamber of Curiosities)
The collection stems from the exhibits of the first Russian museum - Kunstkamera, founded by Peter I. Over 1 million articles relating to the lifestyles of the different people of the world. Many of the types of items on display can only be seen at this museum.
Summer Garden
The Summer Garden is located where the Fontanka River flows out of the Neva River. It was founded in 1704 by order of Peter the Great, who was personally involved in planning it, and is laid out according to strict geometrical principles. The Summer Garden is home to marble statues acquired from Europe especially for Russia's new capital, and also to rare flowers and plants, as well as fountains. It was a traditional location for courtly life outside the palace, and balls were held here by the nobility, who also enjoyed simply taking the air in the Garden.
Field of Mars
Adjoining, among others, the Summer and St. Michael Gardens and the
St. Michael Palace, the Field of Mars has a long and varied history
dating back to the very beginning of the city's history.
At the beginning of the 18th century, what is now the Field of Mars
was essentially an overgrown bog. Subsequently it was turned into a
parade ground for troop inspections, and renamed the Grand Meadow. Celebrations
and parades were held to mark Russia's victory over Sweden in the Northern
War. Following the construction of a palace for Catherine I, wife of
Peter the Great, along one side of the field, the Meadow was renamed
Tsarina's Meadow, and only in 1805 did it acquire its present-day name
of the Field of Mars.
ST. PETERSBURG
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