Most are in search of a more intimate look at the life of the Tsar Nicholas II and his family. Love, romance, intrigue and murder aptly describes the life of Russia's Last Tsar.
One of the greatest love stories of all time is that of Nicholas and Alexandera. In their 23 years of marriage they produced five beautiful children, four daughters, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia and one son Alexei.
Their story is also one of the most tragic in recent history. On July 17, 1918 the entire family was murdered by the Bolshevic government, in Ekaterinburg Russia. The events following the massacre brought much mystery as to where the remains were disposed of and afterwards, were the remains that were unearthed in 1991 actually those of the Royal Family.
Forensic Science has assisted in the identification of five of the Romanovs. The Tsar, the Tsarina, and three of the daughters, Olga, Tatiana and Anastasia. The remains of the Tsaravich, Alexei and Maria are still unaccounted for.
On July 17, 1999, the 81st anniversary of the massacre of the Royal Family, the remains of Nicholas, Alexandra and three of the five children were buried at the Fortress Cathedral Church of Ss. Peter and Paul.
This church has been the burial place for Russian Emperors and Empresses beginning with Peter The Great. Other buildings in the Fortress includes the City History Museum and the Mint, one of only two place in Russia where coins and medals are minted.
This article is part of the Historic Travel series on The St. Petersburg Traveler.
