Did you know Saint Petersburg has changed its name several times? This city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Today we will discover more about Saint Petersburg.
Saint Petersburg is a city with a rich history. It has served as Russia’s capital and has undergone several name changes. The city was founded by Peter I Russia’s first Emperor. He sought to modernize Russia. In 1712 Saint Petersburg became the capital.
In 1914 the city was renamed Petrograd. This change occurred during World War I. Then in 1924 it was renamed Leningrad. Finally in 1991 Saint Petersburg got its original name back.
Today Saint Petersburg is Russia’s second-largest city. It follows Moscow in terms of population. It is also a major cultural center. Saint Petersburg attracted over 15 million tourists in 2018.
The Neva River plays a vital role here. It is one of Russia’s most affluent rivers. The Neva flows out of Lake Ladoga. Interestingly over 30 rivers flow into Lake Ladoga but only the Neva flows out.
Saint Petersburg is located at 60°00’N and 30°00’E. Pulkovo Observatory is located here. It was used as a zero meridian in the Russian Empire. This replaced the Greenwich meridian.
The city is famed for its white nights. This is a major tourist attraction. Saint Petersburg lies almost precisely at the 60th parallel.
The Blue Bridge is the widest in the world. It stretches over the Moika River. William Heste designed it in the 19th century. The bridge spans 97.3 meters. It blends into St. Isaac’s Square and is barely noticeable.
The subway is the deepest in the world. Its tunnels are 70–80 meters underground. Admiralteiskaya station is the deepest at 86 meters.
Egyptian sphynxes decorate the University Embankment. These artifacts are around 3500 years old. They came from the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III. Aleksandr Muraviev brought them to Saint Petersburg.
The Lakhta Center is Europe’s tallest building. It soars to 462 meters. It was completed recently and interior work is underway.
Peter and Paul Fortress is the city’s oldest structure. It was founded on May 27 1703. This date marks the founding of Saint Petersburg. The fortress never saw battle. Now it stands as a unique historical monument.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral is the biggest in Russia. It ranks as the fourth biggest in the world. Auguste de Montferrand constructed it from 1818 to 1858. Its colonnade offers a popular viewpoint.
Nevsky Prospekt is the city’s main street. It is also its warmest. This street’s temperature is higher than the suburbs. It’s warmer in both summer and winter.
Architect Rossi Street is known for its perfect proportions. It is 22 meters wide and its buildings are 22 meters tall. The street is 220 meters long.
Alexander Column weighs 613 tonnes. It stands without any support. It commemorates Russia’s victory over Napoleon. It is taller than the Vendôme Column in Paris.
From its imperial past to its modern achievements Saint Petersburg offers endless discoveries. Its blend of history culture and innovation makes it a truly remarkable city.