Bookish Vacations: The Bronze Horseman

Paris is every girls dream. What's more romantic than having some macaron while sitting in a chic Parisian cafe with the Seine flowing behind you? Surrounded by ancient waters and stunning architecture.

How about a place that has been home to numerous Kings and Queens. The land that is half in Europe and half in Asia. A place of immense culture and beautiful architecture. That mystical place is Russia.

I've always had a fascination with Russia. I love the language and culture, Privet! (my meagre attempt in spelling "Hi") It also has a long and intricate history. All the same, I love it and have always known that I wanted to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. Two of Russia's most well known cities, the past and present capitals.

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simmons is a not so well known book that is set in St. Petersburg, Russia during the Second World War. Nevertheless, the places it mentions are timeless and unsacthed.

First on the list is the beautiful Summer Gardens. It's located on an island in the middle of the city flanked by canals on either side. The garden is home to many sculptures and fountains. It also shares the island with the Summer Palace of the Czar Peter with which it shares it's name.

This beautiful garden is home to many sculptures, including the sculpture of Saturn eating his own child. This one clashes with the theme I'm painting but bear with me. Sometimes unpleasant statues bear pleasant memories as it does in The Bronze Horseman.

All those who've seen a picture of the magnificent churches in Russia would agree that it's a crime to visit Russia and not visit one of them.

St. Isaacs is an aesthetically pleasing building that holds some great memories to fans of the series. Also, lovers of architecture can't miss this one. Built in the 19th century, it is the largest church in the city and in front of it is the famous Statue of The Bronze Horseman!

The statue is of Peter the Great, the founding king of St.Petersburg from whom the city got it's name and the names of many gardens and palaces. This statue is more well known due to its being the subject of one of Alexander Pushkin's poems. 

The Brazen Horseman rides him after –

On his steed of the ringing hoofs.

And all the night the madman, poor,

Where’er he might direct his steps,

Aft him the Bronze Horseman, for sure,

Keeps on the heavy-treading race. (source)

Palaces, gardens, fountains, statues, churches, all beautifully made and presented. St. Petersburg is the ultimate destination for a romantic or historical read. After all what makes a book, if not culture, architecture, setting, atmosphere and a hint of Versailles in Russia?

-MARI