Saint Petersburg is a city of breathtaking beauty, with grand palaces, intricate canals, and majestic bridges that capture the grandeur of Russian imperial history. However, beneath the city’s surface lies a lesser-known world: a network of underground tunnels and catacombs that have played a crucial role in the city’s history. These tunnels, some still shrouded in mystery, offer fascinating insights into the political, military, and cultural heritage of Saint Petersburg.
From secret passageways used by the Russian aristocracy to bunkers from the Soviet era, these underground spaces hold the untold stories of the city’s development. Whether they served as escape routes, hiding places, or military fortifications, the tunnels of Saint Petersburg are an essential but hidden part of the city’s history.
In this guide, we will uncover the history behind some of Saint Petersburg’s most intriguing underground tunnels, exploring their secrets and shedding light on a subterranean world that few have experienced.
1. The Peter and Paul Fortress Catacombs
The Peter and Paul Fortress, located on Zayachy Island, is one of the oldest and most iconic sites in Saint Petersburg. Beneath the fortress lies a network of catacombs that have served various purposes throughout history. Originally built as a military stronghold, the fortress was also used as a prison for political prisoners, and the catacombs were often used to house these detainees.
Why Visit?
- Historical Significance: The catacombs beneath the fortress are a reminder of the fortress’s complex history, which includes its use as a political prison during the reign of Tsar Peter the Great and its role in the development of the city. The catacombs were used to house some of the most prominent figures in Russian history, including dissidents and revolutionaries.
- The Romanov Tombs: Beneath the Peter and Paul Cathedral, located within the fortress, lies the tomb of the Romanov family, including Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. The catacombs also contain the tombs of other Russian emperors and members of the royal family.
- Escape Routes: The tunnels beneath the fortress were also designed to be escape routes, allowing prisoners and military personnel to move secretly through the fortress and into the surrounding areas.
Tips for Visiting:
- Guided Tours: A guided tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress will provide you with insight into the history of the catacombs and the role they played in Russia’s history.
- Explore the Romanov Tombs: The Romanov Tombs within the Peter and Paul Cathedral are among the most significant and historically rich places in Saint Petersburg.
2. The Nevsky Prospect Underground Tunnels
The area around Nevsky Prospect, one of the main avenues of Saint Petersburg, holds some fascinating underground passageways. These tunnels were used for various purposes, including transport routes, storage areas, and even secret government meetings during the imperial era. Today, many of these tunnels remain hidden beneath the streets, adding an air of mystery to the city’s bustling thoroughfare.
Why Visit?
- Historical Uses: During the Romanov era, the underground tunnels were used for secret meetings by the imperial family and other high-ranking officials. There are rumors that some of these passageways even connected the Winter Palace to other important government buildings.
- Modern Connections: While many of the tunnels are now inaccessible or blocked off, some parts of the underground network are still in use today, including tunnels used for modern-day transportation and utilities.
- Cultural Intrigue: These underground spaces have witnessed pivotal moments in Russian history, from the time of Tsar Nicholas II to the Soviet period. They represent a hidden aspect of the city’s culture and heritage.
Tips for Visiting:
- Look for Historical Landmarks: While many of the tunnels are closed to the public, guided tours often highlight the entrances to these secret spaces, including areas under Nevsky Prospect and the Admiralty.
- Explore the Surface: Walking along Nevsky Prospect will give you a sense of the grandeur of Saint Petersburg’s architecture, providing a stark contrast to the hidden underground world.
3. The Secret Underground Bunkers from the Soviet Era
During the Cold War, Saint Petersburg (then Leningrad) was an important military center, and its underground infrastructure played a vital role in the city’s defense. Several underground bunkers and secret passageways were built to protect key government buildings and to shelter the population in the event of a nuclear attack.
Why Visit?
- Soviet-Era Bunkers: Saint Petersburg is home to several Soviet-era bunkers, which were designed to protect the Soviet elite and military leaders. These bunkers were equipped with everything from communication systems to food supplies, ensuring that the city’s key figures could survive any nuclear strike or attack.
- Historical Context: These bunkers tell the story of the city during the Cold War period, when tensions between the Soviet Union and the West were at their peak. The tunnels were designed to allow for the swift movement of people and equipment in case of emergency.
- Hidden World: Many of these bunkers were hidden from public view and remained operational for decades. Some have been preserved and are now open for tours, offering a rare glimpse into the secretive world of the Soviet government.
Tips for Visiting:
- Book a Guided Tour: Some of the Soviet bunkers have been turned into museums, and guided tours are available. They provide fascinating insights into the cold war era and the importance of these underground structures.
- Explore Nearby Landmarks: After exploring the bunkers, be sure to visit other Soviet-era landmarks in the city, such as Palace Square and Victory Square, for a broader understanding of the era.
4. The Underground Passageways of the Winter Palace
The Winter Palace is one of the most famous landmarks in Saint Petersburg, but few visitors know about the hidden underground tunnels that run beneath it. These passageways were used for a variety of purposes, including secret royal meetings, the transport of goods, and even as escape routes during times of political unrest.
Why Visit?
- Royal Secret Routes: The Winter Palace’s underground tunnels were integral to the palace’s functioning. These secret passageways allowed for discreet movement between the palace’s different wings and even connected the palace to nearby buildings. Some tunnels were thought to be used by the imperial family for private meetings away from the public eye.
- Historical Significance: The tunnels also played a key role during times of unrest. During the 1917 Revolution, the Bolsheviks stormed the palace, but these tunnels offered potential escape routes for those in danger.
- Architectural Marvel: The passageways are part of the palace’s extensive underground network, which was designed to support the palace’s complex needs. The labyrinth of tunnels beneath the Winter Palace is an architectural marvel in itself.
Tips for Visiting:
- Explore the Hermitage: The Hermitage Museum, which occupies the Winter Palace today, offers access to many of the rooms once used by the royal family. Though the tunnels themselves are not open to the public, you can learn about their significance during a guided tour of the museum.
- Look for Hidden Entrances: Some of the hidden entrances to the palace’s underground rooms are accessible through specific museum exhibits. Ask a guide for more information on this part of the Winter Palace’s history.
5. The Underground Catacombs of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral
While Saint Isaac’s Cathedral is known for its stunning architecture and magnificent interiors, few visitors are aware of the hidden catacombs beneath it. These catacombs, which date back to the cathedral’s construction in the 19th century, were used as burial sites for important figures in the city’s religious and political history.
Why Visit?
- Burial Sites: The catacombs are the final resting place of several notable figures, including priests, archbishops, and other influential individuals from Saint Petersburg’s past.
- Architectural Hidden Gem: The underground catacombs are built with the same attention to detail as the rest of the cathedral, featuring intricate designs and detailed carvings that reflect the grandeur of the Russian Orthodox Church.
- Spiritual and Historical Importance: The catacombs are a symbol of the deep religious roots in Saint Petersburg’s history and provide insight into the role of the church in the lives of the city’s elite.
Tips for Visiting:
- Guided Tours: The catacombs are only accessible through guided tours of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, which provide detailed explanations of their history and the people buried there.
- Take Time to Admire the Cathedral: While visiting the catacombs, also take the time to explore the cathedral’s stunning interior and panoramic views from the dome.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s underground tunnels and catacombs are hidden treasures that offer a glimpse into the city’s fascinating history. From the secretive passageways of the Peter and Paul Fortress to the hidden bunkers built during the Cold War, these underground spaces reveal the complexities of Saint Petersburg’s past. Whether used for royal escapes, military defense, or religious burial, the tunnels beneath the city are as rich in history as the majestic structures above ground. For those interested in discovering the unseen side of the city, these underground sites are an essential part of Saint Petersburg’s legacy.
