A Local's Guide to Uncovering St. Petersburg's Secret Spots

I've lived in St. Petersburg for a while now, and it's crazy how many hidden gems you can stumble upon if you know where to look. Everyone's familiar with the Hermitage and the bridges, but there's a whole other world of interesting spots that don't make it into the guidebooks. To find them, you need to be willing to wander off the beaten path, explore side streets, and get a little lost. I've discovered some amazing stuff by doing just that – from quirky street art to abandoned mansions. True enthusiasts even create their own maps and lists of offbeat attractions. Anything can be a hidden gem, from a weird nail in a fence to a forgotten mansion. It's all about being curious and open to new experiences.

I've had the chance to visit the studio of Vladimir Alexandrovich, a renowned artist and professor at the Repin Institute of Painting. His work is stored in the Tretyakov Gallery, and his studio on Literatorskaya Street has been a hub of creativity for the past 30 years. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2002, but his son took over the studio and continued his legacy. The studio itself is a treasure trove of art and creativity. As you walk around the courtyard, you'll notice a collection of quirky objects that add to the charm of the place. Some of them are simple, yet thought-provoking, while others are more complex and open to interpretation. Over time, the number and arrangement of these objects have changed, but they always seem to add to the character of the studio. For instance, I remember seeing a door hanging from a tree branch at one point, but it's no longer there. However, the elk sculpture remains a constant presence, and it's hard to miss. One of the challenges of photographing the studio is capturing the objects against the dark background of the roof. But it's worth the effort, as the resulting photos are truly unique. As you enter the studio, you'll be greeted by a loyal guard dog on a chain, and if you look up, you'll see a bird perched on the roof. The studio is a true reflection of the artist's personality and creativity, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in art and history. Nestled above the entrance is a bird, adding to the whimsical atmosphere of the studio.

Lately, instead of a door in the air, picture frames are hanging: It's super convenient for photos in a ready-made frame. Free photo session enthusiasts – add to your collection.Throne – for the accidental king who wandered into the backyard:

Bicycle parked at the entrance, you could say, is a three-wheeler:

That's what this original space looks like.I'd also add giant roses on the kids' playground to the list of courtyard attractions. Not made of stone and metal, but living, blooming ones (it was July, I guess they're grown by the locals).

Since the courtyard's exposition changes, it's worth visiting more than once. But, as they say, be at home, but don't forget you're a guest. Getting here is easy, the courtyard is open. You can enter from Literators Street, through the arch of house 15, then through the next arch of the courtyard-fountain. Or from Professor Popov Street, through the arch of house 12: