
Destination
St. Petersburg
Founded by Peter the Great in the early eighteenth century, St. Petersburg has grown to be considered one of the cultural capitals of the world. The economic, scientific, and sporting centre of Russia, it is a tourism destination par excellence.
Proudly taking its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the city is home to 36 historical complexes and around 4,000 outstanding individual monuments. Magnificent architectural ensembles, beautiful courtyards, splendid parks, and unique museums, St. Petersburg has it all.
Tourists come from all corners of the world to appreciate the subtle atmosphere of the City of White Nights, and to breathe in the air of this mysterious land of Neva fogs.
As a city of many islands, St Petersburg is also famous for its bridges. The first pontoon bridge connected Admiralteyskiy and Vasilievsky Isles in 1856, directly in front of the Winter Palace. Perhaps most famous of all the sights in Saint Petersburg is Alexander Column – built to honour the emperor Alexander I, who reigned from 1801-25. The monument is the focal point of Palace Square and celebrates the Russian victory in the war with Napoleon’s France.
The artistic collection housed at the State Hermitage includes more than three million works alone, a showcase of world culture through the centuries. While for those interested in the religious history of Russia, the Kazan Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Saint Petersburg. It was built in 1801-1811 by the architect Andrey Voronikhin on the orders of Emperor Paul I who wanted the cathedral to resemble St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The cathedral - one of the most venerated icons in the country - is a monument to glory of Russian arms.
Undoubtedly, St. Petersburg is a city with a special fate and unique atmosphere that won’t leave anyone indifferent.