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Saint-Petersburg
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St. Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Russian Tzar Peter the Great
to bring an unwilling Russian nation into the fold of Europe.
Unlike some cities, it was not created by a process of gradual,
graceful development but was forcibly constructed, stone by stone,
under the force and direction of Peter the Great, for whose patron
saint the city is named. When it was nine years old it became the
capital of Russia and retained this status till 1918. Even now it
is referred to as the "Northern capital" of Russia. World
class architects participated in the building of the city and today
it remains an Imperial city of golden spires and gilded domes, of
pastel palaces and candlelit cathedrals...
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St. Petersburg is a fascinating place
which dazzles the eye of a visitor with numerous architectural landmarks,
museums, palaces, parks, wide avenues, spectacular bridges and stylish
monuments. Born in the heart of an emperor, St. Petersburg is Russia's
adopted child. So unlike the Russian cities that came before it,
St. Petersburg - with its strict geometric lines and perfectly planned
architecture - is almost too European to be Russian. And yet it
is too Russian to be European. St. Petersburg is situated on 44
islands in Neva river's delta and is famous for its bridges, embankments,
museums, and, of course, for its magical White Nights, which begins
in the beginning of June and lasts up to the middle of July.
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During the season of White Nights St.Petersburg
undoubtedly is the most beautiful city in the world. The space needed
to describe all the beauty of this city, known as the "Venice
of the North", would fill unaccountable pages. The world famous
"Hermitage" museum, "St. Isaac's Cathedral"
- the second largest basilica in the world - and "Peter and
Paul Fortress" resting place of the last Russian Tsar Nicolas
II - are only three of the main architectural beauties to be seen
and admired. In the summer - especially during the White Nights
- you can enjoy the wonderful parks and gardens in the city with
their statues and fountains.
There are 313 bridges in St.Petersburg, some of them are considered
to be quite unique architectural constructions. The Population of
St.Petersburg is about 5 million people. This is the second largest
city in Russia (after Moscow) and the 19th in the world.
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For two centuries St. Petersburg was
the capital of Russia. The Russian Navy, the Academy of Sciences,
the Academy of Arts, the first museums and the first theatres were
all built on the banks of Neva. St. Petersburg is one of the biggest
cultural and scientific centres in the world, the city with very
rich history, traditions and promising future. There are about 120
museums, 40 theatres, 50 universities. Saint-Petersburg is also
the home of the world-famous ballet-school. Their theatre performances
will satisfy the highest of expectations.
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St. Petersburg is not just about its
fairy-tale setting, however, for its history is integrally bound
up in Russia's dark side too - a centuries - long procession of
wars and revolutions. In the 19th century, the city witnessed the
struggle against czarist oppression. Here the early fires of revolution
were kindled, first in 1825 by a small band of starry-eyed aristocratic
officers, the so-called Decembrists, and then by organized workers'
movements in 1905.
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The full-scale revolutions of 1917 led
to the demise of the Romanov dynasty, the foundation of the Soviet
Union, and the end of the city's role as the nation's capital.
But the worst ordeal by far came during World War II, when the
city-then known as Leningrad-withstood a 900-day siege and blockade
by Nazi forces.
Nowadays, St. Petersburg is a modern city and plays a very important
role in Russia's political, scientific, and cultural life. It is
really worth visiting it.
Other Russian Cities:
Moscow, Novosibirsk, Kazan
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