Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scrutinize the distinctive oxidized-copper tower of the Art Nouveau building on the
corner (at #28). At the base of the globe-topped turret is an unlikely symbol—an American
bald eagle, wings spread wide, grasping a laurel wreath in its talon and wearing a stars-and-
stripes shield on its breast. Architecture fans know this building as the Singer House (yes,
the Russian headquarters of the American sewing machine company). Today it's home to
Dom Knigi (“House of Books”). Up close, take a minute to examine the building's fine
decorative details. Inside, the inviting bookshop has a delightfully atmospheric—if pricey
($8 lattes)—turn-of-the-century café on the second floor (daily 9:00-1:00 in the morning).
• The Singer building sits next to the Griboyedova Canal. Walk to the midsection of the
intersection/bridge over the water (watch out for pickpockets in this high-tourist-concen-
tration zone).
Griboyedova Canal to Gostiny Dvor
Looking down the length of the river, you can't miss one of Russia's most distinctive build-
ings: the Church on Spilled Blood. Dramatically scenic from here, it gets even better as
you get closer. If you want to snap some classic photos, work your way to the small bridge
partway down the river. If you plan to visit this church, now's a good time; the Russian
Museum is also nearby (the yellow building fronting the canal just before the church is a
side-wing of that museum; we'll have an opportunity to reach the museum's main entrance
later on this walk). The church and museum are both described in more detail later, under
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