Marc Bennetts - Top 10 St. Petersburg

Many of Nikolai Gogols stories are set among the citys streets. This statue (1997), created by Mikhail Belov, is a fitting tribute to his troubled genius.

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This is Russias oldest state library. Housing around 33 million items, it also boasts the oldest handwritten book in the Russian language, dating from 1057. Russian National Library 310 7137 Open 9am9pm MonFri, 11am7pm Sat & Sun

Originally known as the Great Prospective Road, Nevskiy prospekt was cut through thick forest in 1718. Prone to flooding, the stretch lay unused and was home to packs of wolves for many years. The area takes its current name from Alexander Nevskiy, a 13th-century national hero who defeated invading Swedish and Danish armies.

Tip: Nevskiy prospekt is very busy, so be sure to use the perekhodi (underpasses), indicated by signs showing a flight of steps.

This grand ensemble of buildings, located on the bank of the Neva river, houses one of the worlds greatest art collections. Built up by successive tsars, the museum boasts priceless masterpieces by Picasso and Rembrandt, as well as exhibits devoted to prehistoric, Classical and Oriental art. The Hermitage also contains the Winter Palace, the pre-revolutionary residence of the tsars, and the headquarters for the Provisional Government after the initial

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This imposing square, designed by Carlo Rossi, overlooks the Hermitages main entrance. The setting for the massacre of 1905, the square today often hosts concerts and demonstrations.