Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the first constructions of St.Petersburg. It is from here that the city began.

The fortress was constructed on the island in the Neva delta in 1703 by the order of Peter the Great. At Peter's epoch the fortress was the centre of new city's activities. Here was the Mint, the Senate, the church, chemist's shop, engineering centre and even a cemetery.

The main attraction of the Fortress is Peter and Paul Cathedral, created by Trezzini in 1712-1733 in Peter's baroque style. With its high spire crowned by an angel, it is one of the symbols of St.Petersburg.

According to the tradition, all Russian tzars were buried in the cathedral, and inside one can see 32 tombs of the emperors and members of their families starting with Peter the Great.