After the Petropavlovsk fortress was built on the Rabbit Island, it actually did not serve to its original purpose – to defend the city walls in the event of the Swedish invasion. However, the fortress soon became famous and infamous because of the notorious prison where the emperor held political opponents. The first person held in this jail was Tsar’s son Aleksey, who conspired against his father. Aleksey was captured, and tortured and he eventually died in this prison.
The prison was constructed in 1872 and named Trubetskoy Bastion. Here mainly the prisoners who fought against the Russian Royal Family and their reign were held. Prisoners were held in cells and every contact with each other or with the staff members of the prison was strictly prohibited. A few prisoners committed suicide in this jail due to the psychological torture. The prison consists of 69 cells (similar size for each cell) and two torture rooms. Prisoners from the Trubetskoy Bastion were under the jurisdiction of the Imperial secret police, created 1825. The headquarters of this special police department is believed to have been in this jail. From 1872 to 1917, more than 1500 prisoners were held in these cells. At the beginning, the prisoners mainly participated in the organization “the People’s Will (Later movement of Vladimir Lenin) who were fighting against the Tsar. One of the most famous persons captured here were Dostoyevsky, Maxim Gorki and Trotsky. Lenin’s brother was also held in captivity there. After the revolution cells were filled with members of the Tsar’s government. The last intake of prisoners consisted of people who were against the Bolsheviks.
The prison was converted into a museum in 1924.
The prison represents an insightful experience for visitors, as its original appearance has been preserved complete with authentic uniforms of the prisoners and those of the guards.
Ticket price for Trubetskoy Bastion
Regular price: 200 rub (3 €)
Reduced price: 120 rub (2 €)
The tour including a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Grand Ducal Burial Chapel and Trubetskoy Bastion Prison and all other exhibitions of the Peter and Paul fortress:
Regular price: 600 rub (8 €).
Reduced price: 350 rub (5 €).
We strongly recommend our visitors to choose this tour, as they will be able to see almost all museums and the cathedral.
Working hours for the Trubetskoy Bastion
Every day from 10:00 to 18:00h.
Tuesdays from 10:00 to 17:00h.
Wednesday closed
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