Twentieth century St. Petersburg went through a lot: revolutions, civil war and Stalinist terror. But the 900-day long siege by German troops in the 2nd World War was by far the harshest trial. This museum dedicated to the defence and blockade of Leningrad provides a memorable picture of the desperate position the city was in between May 1941 and January 1944.
The museum is very much still in Socialist Realism mode. Near the entrance hangs a portrait of Stalin, and beside him, larger than life oil paintings of decorated military leaders.
At the foot of the stairs you can see some of the original shells that rained on the city over a period of three years some are over 2 meters long.
The first room in the second floor houses a multitude of uniforms, both Soviet and German. The glass cases contain decorations, weapons, and soldiers personal possessions. Objects only recently excavated are also on display. Photos of such excavations show that around Petersburg entire tanks are still buried in the ground.
Hitlers goal from the very beginning was to annihilate the city. To this effect, millions of inhabitants were holed up in the city and made to starve. The struggle for survival is illustrated in the museum by food ration cards, harrowing photographs and excerpts from letters from Leningraders to their relatives.
The famous ´Road of Life that led over the ice of Lake Ladoga, the citys only connection to its hinterland, is also presented here with photographs and documents.
The siege was the most harrowing event in Petersburgs history and learning about it should be part of any visit to the city.
Der November mit seinen zahlreichen Totengedenk-Tagen hat nicht gerade eine frivolen Ruf. Dieser Grabstein auf dem Petersburger Tichwin-Friedhof zeigt aber doch, dass man den Tod auch sehr entspannt angehen kann. (Foto: Deeg/rufo)
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