Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ist University, a fate that would have no doubt horrified Catherine the Great. Today it
is home to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Member States of the CIS (Common-
wealth of Independent States). It is not open to the public.
The gardens, on the other hand, are open to all. Once the romping grounds of the
tsarina, the palace gardens have since become - in true Soviet style - a park for the
people (also called
City Children's Park
). The tree-lined dirt paths and picturesque
pond make for a pleasant place to stroll, while children can enjoy climbing on the
playground equipment or take their chances on some rusty rides.
Just east of the gardens, on Shpalernaya ul, is one of the last remaining
statues of
(Bolshevik secret police), KGB predecessor.
MMUSSEUUM
ANNA AKHMATOVA MUSEUM IN THE FOUNTAIN HOUSE
Liteyny pr 53; admission R100, audio tour R100; 10.30am-6.30pm Tue-Sun, 1-9pm Wed;
Gostiny Dvor)
Housed in the south wing of the Sheremetyev Palace (built 1750-55), this
touching and fascinating literary museum celebrates the life and work of Anna Akh-
matova, St Petersburg's most famous 20th-century poet. Akhmatova lived here from
1924 until 1952, as this was the apartment of her common-law husband Nikolai Pun-
in. The apartment is on the 2nd floor and is filled with mementos of the poet and cor-
respondence with other writers. The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative. It's
also an interesting chance to see the interior of an (albeit atypical) apartment from the
early to mid-20th century.
Admission also includes the
Josef Brodsky American Study
. Brodsky did not
live here, but his connection with Akhmatova was strong. For lack of a better loca-
tion, his office has been recreated here, complete with furniture and other 'artefacts'
from his adopted home in Massachusetts.
Downstairs is a bookshop and video room where you can watch documentaries on
the lives of Akhmatova and her contemporaries over a coffee.
CATHEDR
THEDRAAL
CATHEDRAL OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR SAVIOUR
