About St-Petersburg
St
Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Russia's first and the most
famous Emperor. For more than 200 years, St Petersburg was the
capital of Russia and the main residence of 13 Russian
Emperors. The city combines its fascinating heritage with a distinctly
European outlook and offers a vibrant cultural life and precious art
collections. During the 18th and 19th centuries European and Russian architects
have built great palaces, cathedrals and parks in St Petersburg. Today, over 100
palaces of Russian nobility and more than 80
museums can be visited.
St Petersburg ranks, according to the UN, among the 10 most attractive tourist destinations in the world. Renowned universities and research institutes of St Petersburg represent a great scientific potential.
Among the many poetical names applied to St.Petersburg the most common are
"Northern Venice" and "Northern Palmyra". It has been called "Venice" because
the latter city encompasses a number of islands in the Venetial Lagoon, Adriatic
Sea; St.Petersburg is likewise divided into numerous islands by the Neva,
Fontanka and other rivers and canals. It has been called "Palmyra" because on
its discovery this ancient capital became world famous for the perfection of its
classical proportions; similarly, Petersburg presents a perfect combination of
logical special composition and linear street layout with the wide openings of
squares, tall verticals of its towers and belfries, figured railings,
arch-shaped bridges and granite embankments, all elements joined together to
form a single work of art.
The severe northern nature annually represents to the citizens and visitors of
city unique natural feature: In May—June the season of the white nights begins,
that gives a peculiar charm to the city and attracting people from all over the
world.