Cross the bridge and turn behind the Winter Palace. In the middle of the huge palace square stands the Alexander column. it commemorates Russia's victory over Napoleon. The 650-ton granite column is not attached to the base in any way. Its own weight keeps it upright. Hoisted into place in 1832， it has stood there ever since.
Continue to Nevsky prospekt， the heart of the old city. Let the crowds hurry by while you take your time. Admire the fine carving on bridges and columns， above doorways and windows. Cross over canals and pass by smaller palaces and other classical structures. Let your eyes drink in the light blues， greens， yellows and pinks.
Take time to wander among Kazan cathedral's semi circle of enormous brown columns. Or， if you prefer Russian-style architecture， cross the street and follow the canal a short distance. The church of the resurrection occupies the site where czar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.
Travel outside the city to Petrodvorets Palace for a taste of old imperial grandeur. After a visit to France in the late 17th century， peter the great decided to build a palace for himself better than Versailles. His dream never came true in his lifetime. It took almost two centuries to complete the palace and park complex.
Seldom does any city have the chance to reinvent itself. That chance has now come to St. Petersburg. A few people might hope to return to the glory of the past， but most know that is impossible. They want to preserve the best of past eras and push ahead. You can bet the city won't be old St. Petersburg， but something altogether different.