Gatchina Pavlovsky Cathedral, Leningrad Oblast, Gatchina , Russia
Saint Petersburg (Russian: , tr. , IPA: ) is Russia’s second-largest city after Moscow, with five million inhabitants in 2012. An important Russian port on the Baltic Sea, it has a status of a federal subject (a federal city).
Situated on the Neva River, at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea, it was founded by Tsar Peter the Great on May 27 [O.S. 16] 1703.
In 1914, the name was changed from Saint Petersburg to Petrograd (Russian: , IPA: ), in 1924 to Leningrad (Russian: , IPA: ), and in 1991 back to Saint Petersburg. Between 1713 and 1728 and in 1732-1918, Saint Petersburg was the capital of imperial Russia. In 1918, the central government bodies moved to Moscow.
Saint Petersburg is one of the modern cities of Russia, as well as its cultural capital. The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Saint Petersburg is home to The Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world. Many foreign consulates, international corporations, banks, and businesses have offices in Saint Petersburg.
Epic Russia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
Own or work here?