5 Must-Visit Palaces and Castles in Russia

When you think of Russia, it's easy to get caught up in negativity, whether it's the legacy of Soviet communism or the latest turnout in elections around the world.

However, in a more distant past, Russia was a land full of palaces and castles, many of which still exist today.

From popular tourist cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg to significantly darker destinations, these are the most magical palaces you can visit in Russia.

1. Peterhof Palace

When it comes to Russian palaces, you are more likely to visit Peterhof, which is located on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg.

A visit to the palace is a good day trip from the city by boat, at least if you visit during the summer.

Certainly, while winter is not a horrible time to visit this palace, which was built by Peter the Great in response to the construction of Versailles by Louis XIV, its famous fountains will be closed for obvious reasons.

2. Catherine Palace

Another nearby place to see some of the best palaces in Russia is the city of Pushkin, located south of the center of Saint Petersburg.

As the name suggests, the Catherine Palace also served as the residence of a famous Russian monarch, and this former royal residence is as large as Peter's.

Although the Catherine Palace lacks the spectacular fountains and coastal setting of Peterhof, the huge garden that surrounds the palace on all sides is truly beautiful, especially during spring and summer.

3. Moscow Kremlin

The word "Kremlin" is used so often in conjunction with the Russian government that they may not consider it a shining example of castles in Russia.

(You might also not realize that almost every Russian city has its own Kremlin, a word that literally translates to "citadel.")

The churches, palaces, and other structures within the fortified walls of the Moscow Kremlin definitely make up a castle, especially if you see them lit up at night over the banks of the Moskva River - this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in all of Russia.

4. Yuryev Monastery

While the Yuriev Monastery is arguably the darkest entrant on this list, it is no less worthy.

Located in the heart of Vekily Novgorod, one of Russia's most underrated places for travelers, this medieval silver-domed monastery is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site throughout the city, meaning that even once the Hurry for a walk through a -the life of the Russian palace is over, there is still much more to discover.

5. Peter and Paul Fortress

Located on the coast of Vasilevskiy Island, at the confluence of the two great rivers of Saint Petersburg, the Fortress of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is one of the most spectacular castles in Russia, due to its location and its spectacular construction, which is rises from a base of two connected stars.

This Italian-designed structure, commissioned by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, is located in the center of Nevsky Prospekt.

You could easily spend the whole day here, so be sure to plan ahead.

This is especially important if you are coming for a few days on a cruise from elsewhere in the Baltic region, as your total stay in Russia will be limited to just 72 hours.

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