Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, represents the nation’s profound history and cultural legacy. Situated on the Neva River at the Gulf of Finland‘s entry, this famous city boasts a population of 5,601,911 as of 2021 while its metropolitan area can fit around 6.4 million people. With a population over one million, Saint Petersburg is the northernmost city in the world, fourth most populous city in Europe, and most populated on the Baltic Sea.

Built on the site of a conquered Swedish stronghold, Saint Petersburg was founded on May 27, 1703, under the direction of Tsar Peter the Great and bears the name Saint Peter. A turning point in Russian history, the founding of the city marks the beginning of the Russian Empire and its ascent as a European great power. Saint Petersburg was the imperial capital from 1712 until 1918; Moscow briefly took over that capacity between 1728 and 1730.

The turbulent events that shaped Russia’s past entwine the history of the city. After the October Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks moved the government to Moscow, therefore ending Saint Petersburg’s capital status. In commemoration of Vladimir Lenin‘s death in 1924, the city was renamed Leningrad. Leningrad, which epitomized the resiliency and tenacity of its people, suffered one of the most terrible sieges in history during World War II.

The people of the city decided to restore its former name in a vote held in June 1991 in the latter days of the Soviet Union. Made just months before the demise of the USSR, this choice embodied the city’s hope to rebuild its pre-revolutionary past and foster a fresh identity in the post-Soviet age.

With almost 15 million visitors in 2018 alone, Saint Petersburg is becoming Russia’s cultural capital. Beyond only tourism, the city is a major technological and commercial hub for Russia and Europe. Recognised for its modern relevance, Saint Petersburg is known as “the Northern Capital of Russia” and hosts a number of important federal government agencies, including the Heraldic Council of the President of the Russian Federation and the Constitutional Court of Russia.

Mostly intact from the 18th and 19th centuries, the architectural collection of the city offers visitors a unique historical perspective. Saint Petersburg has kept most of its historical character in contrast to numerous European cities that underwent significant change from World War II damage and following modern growth. Its loss of capital city status helped to explain some of the preservation since it moved many architectural “prestige projects” to Moscow, allowing Saint Petersburg to keep its classical appearance.

Designating the Historic Center of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments as a World Heritage Site, UNESCO has recognized the city’s extraordinary historical and cultural value by design. Including over 4,000 distinct monuments of architecture, history, and culture, as well as 36 historical architectural complexes, this classification highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its past and embracing its modern image, leading to the development of fresh tourist projects and sightseeing trips stressing its cultural resources.

Particularly diverse is Saint Petersburg’s cultural scene, which boasts a noteworthy array of establishments committed to the humanities, arts, and sciences. The city boasts 221 museums, 2,000 libraries, more than 80 theaters, 100 music groups, 45 galleries and exhibition halls, 62 cinemas, and 80 other cultural venues. The wide range of cultural events offers both locals and guests lots of chances for enrichment and entertainment.

With approximately 50 of these events of worldwide relevance, Saint Petersburg hosts practically 100 celebrations of art and culture every year. These events not only show the artistic achievements of the city but also attract talent and visitors from all around, therefore supporting Saint Petersburg’s reputation as a cultural capital.

The museums in the city offer a first-rate study of science, art, and history. Situated in the magnificent Winter Palace, the prestigious Hermitage Museum boasts among the best and most vast art collections worldwide. Offering a thorough study of Russia’s cultural heritage, the Russian Museum specializes in Russian art from ancient icons to modern masterpieces. Apart from these well-known establishments, Saint Petersburg‘s museum scene consists of a range of specialist collections, including the unusual Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines and the moving Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad.