The first-class armored cruiser Aurora is an outstanding landmark connected with the history of Russian shipbuilding, the Russian Navy and the 1917 revolution.

Cruiser Aurora was designed by K.M. Tokarevsky and constructed in 1897-1900 at the New Admiralty shipyard. During the war against Japan , it participated in the Tsushima battle. In February 1917, the seamen of Aurora organized an uprising and rose a red flag of the revolution on the cruiser. On October 25, 1917 , an idle shot of the front cannon of the Aurora was the signal for attacking the Winter Palace . During World War II, the cruiser was in Oranienbaum, while its cannons were installed on the shore and were used in battles. In 1948, the Aurora was anchored for ever at Petrovskaya Embankment. In 1957, it was opened as a public museum. In 1984-1987, the ship was under thorough reconstruction, after which it looks like a new one. Visitors may see on board the ship the equipment and the weapons installed on the cruiser which was considered to be one of the best ships in the Russian Navy at the beginning of the 20 th century. One can also see the engines and the boilers of the ship, its radio station, rare photographs and documents illustrating the history of the cruiser, personal belongings of the members of the crew.

There is also a display of more than 190 various gifts received by cruiser Aurora in various years from governmental, military and public organizations of many countries.

The legendary cruiser Aurora which signaled the Winter Palace attack in 1917 was a symbol of the revolutionary strength of proletariat under the Soviets. Now, it is a ship-museum, a historical relic of St. Petersburg . In spite of losing its revolutionary meaning, the cruiser did not become less attractive to those who visit the city, and there is no wonder: from 1956, a branch of the Central Naval Museum has been on board the ship.

In 1992, the original flag of the Russian Navy, the St. Andrew flag, appeared on the ship. In 1998, the ship chapel with icons was restored. Although cruiser-museum Aurora is no longer a symbol of revolutionary liberation, it still remains one of the most famous landmarks of St. Petersburg as a center of culture and the Navy.

Assembly.M Tour Company