St. Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Peter I as a fortress, shipyard and port on the Baltic Sea shore that he had just conquered. In less than 10 years his newly-built city grew rapidly and became the capital of the Russian Empire for the next two centuries.
Until 1917, St. Petersburg was Russia’s main political and cultural center, and with its population of 2 million people and an immense concentration of wealth, it was Europe’s second most important city, topped only by London.
Famous architects - Trezzini, Rossi, Rastrelli, Bazhenov, and many others - built splendid palaces for the Imperial family and the aristocrats, as well as graceful city squares and splendid architectural ensembles. To this day, most retain their original form and plan.
St. Petersburg’s history is marked by inspiring triumphs and horrible tragedy. The city experienced three devastating floods, three revolutions, Stalinist repression, and a 900-day siege during World War II. Many famous and outstanding people were born, lived and worked in St. Petersburg. In its three centuries the city has changed its name three times: St. Petersburg, Petrograd, Leningrad, and then back again to St. Petersburg.
Today St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest political, industrial, scientific and cultural centre. It has hundreds of outstanding architectural, historical and cultural buildings and sites; 200 museums; 340 bridges; 70 theatres; and 80 institutions of higher learning.
The White Nights, the time in the summer when the sun barely sets at night, have become a symbol of St. Petersburg. Although the phenomenon is not unique to St. Petersburg, in no other northern city have they received such poetic and literary acclaim. No other major European city can rival the atmosphere on the streets of St. Petersburg during the summer months - lively, friendly, romantic and bustling with people throughout the day, as well as into the night and early morning.
