Legends and Myths about St. Petersbug

Great Russian poets, writers and artists commemorated Saint Petersburg in their works and confessed that the city is covered with mystic aureole and full of riddles and mysteries. They called Petersburg the ghost city , which is definitely true, as the splendid palaces, majestic cathedrals and exquisite parks of the city have their own legends and myths. We suggest that you get acquainted with some of them. If you want to learn more legends of Saint Petersburg, check out the books by famous Russian folklore collector Naum Sindalovskiy.

Legend of the Bronze Horseman The Bronze Horseman, a monument to Peter the Great, is one of the symbols of Saint Petersburg. Since the day of its construction the sculpture gave grounds to all kinds of myths and legends. Those who didn't support Peter's reforms and deeds believed that the statue depicts "The Horseman of Apocalypse" who came to Russia and brought death and agony.
Legend of the Building of Twelve Boards The citizens of Saint Petersburg often wonder why the beautiful building of Twelve Boards was put up so that it doesn t face the Neva embankment, but stretches along the Mendeleyev Line. This building of great importance could be a compositional center of the University embankment, but it never happened. Why? There can be an answer to this question.
Legend of the Mikhailovsky Castle Mikhailovsky Castle is one of the most mysterious buildings in Saint Petersburg. There are many legends about this castle. It was built by Russian Emperor Paul I, but he resided there only for 40 days. He was killed by his close associates in his own bedroom. Some visitors see in the castle the Emperor's phantom and witness inexplicable phenomenon.
Legend of Saint Ksenia In the center of the Smolenskoye cemetery there is a little Chapel of Saint Ksenia. The Chapel was put up on the site of Saint Ksenia's burial place. People believe that Ksenia worked wonders and helped people, especially women, while she was alive. After Ksenia's death her grave became a place of pilgrimage for those who hoped that Ksenia's wonders would help them to solve their problems.
Legend of the City Foundation The legend says that on the 16th of May, 1703, Peter the Great inspected Zayachy Island, which was a part of the lands won back from the Swedes. Suddenly he stopped and exclaimed: Here, the City will be! All of a sudden, an eagle appeared in the sky. He started to fly above Peter I and followed him all the time, but then the bird disappeared. The next day the eagle appeared again.