This tour will give you a perfect mix of important historical places, funny stories, and cool photos. Explore the spots, related to beliefs, superstitions, and traditions, or take photos with the city’s most interesting sculptures.
Visit such famous landmarks as Palace Square, Admiralty, and Malaya Sadovaya Streets. Moyka and other embankments will share their secrets with you and give you plenty of opportunities to make your own special discoveries. Experience more intimate magic of small bridges and marvel at the sights.
No other tour packs in as much modern history, historical sites, and the eye-opening perspective of an inspirational local guide.Check out the city center and its heart, Palace Square. Alexander Column is its central element. It was raised after the Russian victory in the war with Napoleon's France. The column is topped with a statue of an angel holding a cross.
There are so many legends and anecdotes about the construction and column itself, not to mention the fear that it will fall. One superstition is for newlyweds: groom should take his bride in arms and go around the column, as many times he managed to do it, so many children they would have. You can try it too, but don’t cheat.Then we head to Admiralty along Admiralteiskaya Embankment. Admiralty’s spire is capped by a small sail warship, and there are many legends, related to this place. The most popular says that embankment is not only picturesque but also makes you healthy and happier. So make a short walk and, as Russians say, combine the pleasant with the useful.Explore Aleksandrovsky Garden. Nikolai Przhevalsky monument is located in the center. He was a great geographer and researcher, so under the pedestal, there is a figure of a camel. It is a lovely place perfect for taking photos. Funny thing is that Przhevalsky is often mistaken for Stalin, so in Soviet-era tour guides were afraid of question: “Why is Stalin with a camel?”Your route will pass by Potseluev Bridge (Bridge of Kisses). Many romantic legends are related to this place. The most popular version is that this bridge was often used for farewells, so people kiss their beloved ones to say goodbye. According to merrier belief, lovers should kiss each other every time they cross the bridge so that they would be together forever.Head to another bridge spot, which is called Semimostie (Seven Bridges). It is located on Pokrovsky Island, surrounded by Fontanka, Griboedov Canal, and Kryukov Canal. There is a spot on the cross of Griboedov Canal and Kryukov Canal from where you can see 7 bridges.
According to popular beliefs, it fulfills wishes. Anyway, it is a very pleasant place, where you can enjoy the brilliance of the surrounding buildings, canals, and churches. If you were looking for a new kind of travel delights and a broader world perspective, you’ve found it all.After you gained the love and good luck, it’s time to get money, so we head to Bankovsky Bridge (Bank Bridge), located near the former Assignation Bank. The bridge is home to mystical griffins with golden wings. According to legend, griffins bring love and luck in work and study, but a person should touch the creature’s wings or head. This is a rather harmful tradition, as it causes significant damage to sculptures. So let’s just absorb the positive energy of this place!Find out why Malaya Sadovaya Street is so popular among locals and tourists. It is home to many wonderful inhabitants. The most popular is the photographer, so took his right arm and make a photo with him. Or touch the photographer’s little finger with your little finger. That would bring you financial luck. There are other cute little sculptures here. You can notice two cats on cornices, and also there is a dog in the inner court.Make your last stop at Italian Street, where the monument to Ostap Bender is located. It is a fictional con man, who knew 400 relatively legal ways to make people part with their money. If you fill adventurous and need luck, touch Bender’s nose.
If you need some help in your business, take a seat, as there is a chair near The Great Schemer, and ask for advice. Then wait and see, if this magic works, or just remember Bender’s greatest advice: "The task of helping the drowning people is in the hands of the drowning people themselves”.
