Saint Petersburg, with its majestic canals, historic palaces, and cultural landmarks, is a city filled with beauty above ground. However, beneath its elegant streets lies a mysterious and lesser-known side: an intricate network of underground catacombs and hidden tunnels. These hidden passages hold secrets from centuries past, ranging from the days of the Russian Empire to more recent Soviet-era history. While these underground spaces are not as widely visited as the city’s famous palaces and museums, they offer a fascinating glimpse into Saint Petersburg’s rich and often hidden heritage.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most intriguing underground catacombs and tunnels in Saint Petersburg, unveiling the history, myths, and fascinating stories that lie beneath the city’s surface.
1. The Peter and Paul Fortress Catacombs
The Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the most important historical sites in Saint Petersburg, located on Zayachy Island in the Neva River. While most visitors come to explore its famous cathedral, museums, and panoramic views of the city, few are aware of the fortress’s underground catacombs, which hold an intriguing history.
Why Visit?
- Historical Significance: The catacombs beneath the Peter and Paul Fortress were originally used as a prison for political dissidents and criminals, including Tsarist enemies and revolutionaries. Over the centuries, many prominent figures, including Peter the Great’s dissidents and members of the Romanov family, were buried within the catacombs.
- Tomb of the Romanovs: The most famous part of the fortress catacombs is the tomb of the Romanovs, where many of Russia’s emperors are laid to rest, including Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. The tomb is a poignant part of Russia’s imperial history, offering a quiet place of reflection.
- Escape Routes and Secret Passages: The fortress catacombs also contain a series of tunnels and secret passageways once used to smuggle prisoners and goods in and out of the fortress, adding to the intrigue of the underground spaces.
Tips for Visiting:
- Guided Tours: A guided tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress is highly recommended, as it will take you into the catacombs and provide you with a deep dive into the history of the fortress.
- Book in Advance: Because the catacombs and burial sites are significant, visits may be limited or require a reservation, especially during busy tourist seasons.
2. The Nevsky Prospect Catacombs
The Nevsky Prospect is one of Saint Petersburg’s most iconic streets, but beneath it lies a hidden world of tunnels and catacombs that many residents are unaware of. These underground spaces date back to the 19th century and are connected to various buildings and infrastructures across the city.
Why Visit?
- Secret Passages: These tunnels are said to have been used for various purposes over the years, including transportation routes, storage spaces, and even escape routes for the Russian aristocracy.
- Soviet-Era Mystique: During the Soviet era, many of these tunnels were repurposed for more secretive functions. Some tunnels are believed to have been used for underground meetings or as storage for sensitive materials.
- Architectural Relics: The catacombs beneath Nevsky Prospect feature interesting architectural elements from different periods, including old stonework and vintage infrastructure.
Tips for Visiting:
- Not Open to the Public: The catacombs beneath Nevsky Prospect are not typically open for general tours due to safety and preservation concerns. However, there are special guided underground tours that occasionally offer access to these tunnels, focusing on the fascinating hidden history of Saint Petersburg.
3. The Yelagin Island Catacombs
Yelagin Island, situated along the Neva River, is known for its peaceful park and the Yelagin Palace, a beautiful neoclassical building that once belonged to Russian aristocracy. Beneath the island, however, lies a network of underground catacombs that were once part of the island’s extensive garden and palatial grounds.
Why Visit?
- Palatial Past: The catacombs are linked to the Yelagin Palace, which was built for the Romanov family and used for entertaining foreign dignitaries. Beneath the island, you can still find remnants of the grand lifestyle once enjoyed by Russia’s elite.
- Historical Funerary Sites: There are also burial sites and tombs under Yelagin Island, some of which were part of the Romanov family’s private estate. While access to these catacombs is restricted, they remain an important part of the island’s history.
Tips for Visiting:
- Not Easily Accessible: Yelagin Island’s catacombs are not open to the public, but guided tours of the Yelagin Palace may offer some insights into the island’s underground spaces and the history of the area.
- Explore the Island: The island itself is worth a visit for its beautiful park, gardens, and riverside views. After visiting the island, you may want to explore the nearby Peter and Paul Fortress for more underground intrigue.
4. The Vyborg District Catacombs
The Vyborg District of Saint Petersburg is home to an extensive network of underground tunnels and catacombs that were originally built to serve as storage spaces and transportation routes. These tunnels have evolved over the years, and some are said to be connected to other parts of the city.
Why Visit?
- Secret Soviet Bunkers: During the Soviet era, many of these tunnels were used as bunkers, providing shelter during air raids or serving as secret meeting spaces for high-ranking officials.
- Historical Connectivity: The catacombs in the Vyborg District are linked to the old warehouses and commercial buildings of the area, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s industrial past.
Tips for Visiting:
- Underground Tour: While these catacombs are typically closed to the general public, there are special historical tours that provide access to parts of the underground spaces.
- Explore the Vyborg District: The Vyborg District itself is home to some beautiful old architecture, including Art Nouveau buildings and historical landmarks. Walking through the area and learning about its past is a great way to connect the hidden underground with the city’s surface history.
5. The Kazan Cathedral Crypts
The Kazan Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Saint Petersburg, located on Nevsky Prospekt. While most visitors come to admire the cathedral’s neoclassical design and its beautiful interior, few know that beneath the building lies a hidden crypt containing important historical figures and religious artifacts.
Why Visit?
- Religious and Royal Significance: The crypts beneath the Kazan Cathedral are home to several important figures from Russian history, including tsarist dignitaries and religious leaders. Some of the most notable burials include members of the Russian Orthodox clergy.
- Architectural Beauty: The underground spaces are rich in historical and architectural significance, with their deep connection to the Russian Orthodox Church’s role in Russian history.
Tips for Visiting:
- Limited Access: The crypts are not always open to the public, but there are occasional guided tours of the Kazan Cathedral that offer a deeper look into its history and the crypts below.
- Explore the Surrounding Area: Kazan Cathedral is situated in a historically significant part of the city. After exploring the underground spaces, take a walk around the Kazansky Square and enjoy the surrounding architecture.
6. Soviet-Era Tunnels and Bunkers
Throughout Saint Petersburg, there are several hidden Soviet-era tunnels and bunkers that were built during the Cold War to protect the city’s population in the event of nuclear attacks or other emergencies. These tunnels and bunkers are an intriguing part of the city’s history and are mostly hidden from view.
Why Visit?
- Cold War History: The tunnels were part of Saint Petersburg’s strategic infrastructure during the Soviet era, designed to ensure the city’s survival in case of conflict. They were built to withstand airstrikes and nuclear attacks.
- Secret Soviet Spaces: Many of these tunnels are still sealed and have remained largely forgotten, adding to their mystery and intrigue.
Tips for Visiting:
- Special Tours: Access to these underground spaces is limited, but certain tour companies offer exclusive tours of the tunnels, providing a deep dive into Saint Petersburg’s Cold War history.
- Safety Precautions: Due to the age and condition of the tunnels, it’s essential to book a tour with experienced guides who can ensure your safety while exploring these hidden spaces.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s underground catacombs and hidden tunnels offer an exciting and mysterious glimpse into the city’s rich and varied history. From the historical crypts beneath Kazan Cathedral to the secret Soviet-era bunkers scattered across the city, these hidden spaces are a testament to Saint Petersburg’s resilience and the many layers of its past. While many of these catacombs are not open to the public on a regular basis, special guided tours allow visitors to explore these secretive sites and uncover the fascinating stories that lie beneath the city’s surface. For history buffs and adventure seekers, exploring Saint Petersburg’s underground world is a captivating journey into the city’s past.
