In the novel Crime and Punishment — the most quintessentially Petersburg of all novels — Dostoevsky encoded real street names, squares, and bridges, and settled his fictional characters in the neighbourhood around Sennaya Square, inviting readers to count Rodion Raskolnikov's 730 steps on a unique literary walk through the exact addresses of the novel's heroes.
The tour begins at the centre of Sennaya Square — the site of Raskolnikov's failed public confession. Visitors will see the facades of the Vyazemskaya Lavra, the city's most notorious slum where Svidrigailov spent his youth; walk with Raskolnikov through the winding lane where he feels sick and wants to feel even sicker; continue to Stolyarny Lane and the houses of Raskolnikov, Sonya Marmeladova, and Svidrigailov; reach Voznesensky Bridge, where the drunkard Marmeladov is trampled by horses and the consumptive Katerina Ivanovna collapses; visit the home of the investigating magistrate Porfiry Petrovich; and finally arrive at the scene of the most famous murder in world literature — the moneylender's apartment.
The most dedicated readers will be able to follow Raskolnikov on his way to "the deed" or "the rehearsal", find the caretaker's lodge where he takes the axe, and explore every corner and flashpoint of the novel — experiencing the topographic details of Dostoevsky's unique "Petersburg text" firsthand.
Duration: 2 hours
Group size: up to 15 people
Age restriction: 12+
TOUR PRICES (per group):
Tour bookings: +7 (812) 571-18-04 (Russian), museum@dostoevsky.spb.ru (English)
Group tours are available by prior booking only.
Photography: Sergey Knyazev
