St Petersburg Information

Built in a low lying area of swampland on the delta of the Neva River, the city spans over 100 islands and has a network of canals and bridges that tie the city together. It has always been a fusion city where the Russians dipped their toes into the west, and it certainly has a distinctly European feel with it's Italian designed neo-classical architecture and waterways. It is sometimes referred to as the "Venice of the North". St Petersberg has some truly inspiring buildings, the historic town centre is World heritage listed.

Founded in 1703 - by Peter the Great it was the former home of the Czars and the Capital of Russia. It has also long been a centre of Russian Culture. It has had several changes of name. It was called Petrograd in World War I and then later became known as Leningrad. It has been known as St. Petersberg once again since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

St. Petersberg has always been strongly associated with the arts and culture, it was here that Russian literature took flight with Dostoyevsky and Pushkin, and some of the best known classical music of the ages came from here also with Rachmaninov and Tchaikosvsky among the chief exports. Ballet had it's origins in St. Petersberg also and it was the place where many of it's finest stars plied their trade including the incomparable Anna Pavlova and Rudolf Nureyev.

Modern St Petersberg has extended it's embrace of art and culture from times past. These days in addition to operas and orchestras, modern bands, lively nightlife and stylish restaurants are in plentiful supply, attracting visitors from Europe and further afield.

Visiting in the warmer months of May through to July will enable you to enjoy the famous "White Nights" where the city remains light all through the night. It is a magical time of the year and provides beautiful scenery along the banks of the Neva River. Take a canal tour or simply spend the day wandering through the remarkable streets, St. Petersberg is one of the worlds most unique and treasure filled cities.