Where to retrace the Romanov steps from Moscow to St Petersburg

As Russia’s last imperial dynasty, the House of Romanov ruled for three centuries – a reign fraught with political intrigue and diplomatic manoeuvrings. Beginning with Michael I in 1613, successive Romanovs transformed the cultural and political landscape of Russia forever, before their bloody downfall at the hands of the Bolsheviks in 1918.

Such was the influence of the Romanovs that even decades of communist rule couldn’t wipe their imperialist reign from the history books. From majestic palaces to entire cities (St Petersburg), this influential dynasty paved the way for a new Russia, and their legacy continues to inform the nation’s political and societal outlook today.

Here, we’re taking a look at the legacy of the Romanovs, from their golden age in the 18th century to their downfall in the early 20th, and showing you some of the buildings and heritage sites where you can get to grips with Russia’s last imperial dynasty.

A name impossible to ignore when reflecting on Russia’s imperial past; House Romanov was a powerful dynasty which ruled the Russian state for over three centuries, with 18 successive Romanovs ascending to the throne. From Peter the Great to Nicholas II, Catherine the Great to Alexander I, the Romanov line produced some of Russia’s most commanding and influential tsars, each contributing much to the shaping of this proud, enigmatic nation.

The Romanov story begins in the 16th century, a time when the family had risen to become high-ranking aristocrats, with considerable influence in the courts. In the wake of the decline of the Rurik Dynasty, which saw deep divisions emerge throughout Russia, Mikhail Romanov rose to become the first Romanov tsar, taking the official title of Michael I.

Michael I’s reign passed relatively quietly, but when his grandson, Peter I, came to the throne, things started to move at pace, and the political might of Romanov Russia was quickly realised. Becoming known as Peter the Great, the second Romanov tsar transformed Russia into one of the world’s most powerful empires, waging wars on the Ottomans to expand Russia’s territory into the lucrative Baltic and Black Sea regions.

In 1721, Peter the Great declared himself emperor of the Russian Empire, and commissioned the creation of a new city in his own image: St Petersburg. His reign came to a close in 1725.

Catherine the Great is remembered as one of Russia’s most influential leaders, expanding the reach and influence of the empire beyond even that of her father. Her reign, which spanned from 1762 to 1796, is today considered the golden age of imperial Russia.

Following the climax of Catherine’s reign, the rule of the Romanovs took a darker, more turbulent turn. Poverty, hunger and vast class divisions led to frequent rioting and social unrest – ultimately culminating in the dynasty’s bloody downfall at the hands of the Bolsheviks, in 1918.

While we have much to thank the Romanovs for from an architectural and cultural standpoint, their reign as emperors of Russia was fraught with controversy – both politically and socially. So, while the grand remnants of their reign may be spectacular to witness, it’s important to remember the tumultuous environment and conditions in which they were built.