There are so many historical places to see when in St. Petersburg and its surrounding towns! One such place is the BIP Fortress - also known as the Bastion of Emperor Paul - a fortress ordered built at the end of the 18th century by the great leader of the Russian Empire who would later make it his residence. More than 200 years ago a garrison and artillery could be found here. It was even the site of parades, troop reviews and gala dinners when military occasions called for them. Now the fortress that was once home to a Russian emperor is an elegant hotel and restaurant where you can find a wide variety of dishes including some from the time of Paul the First.