St Petersburg

As the second largest city in Russia, St Petersburg has a legacy that far exceeds its 300-year history.

Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, the city was originally scorned by many of the Russian aristocracy, but, thanks to its impressive architecture and location, the city soon became the most important city in Imperial Russia.
In the 20th century, the city played an important part in the 1917 revolution, before later becoming a symbol of national pride due to its defiance during the Siege of Leningrad. Today, St Petersburg is still seen by many as the cultural capital of the Russian Federation and is considered by Russians to be the most European of their cities.
St Petersburg has been compared to some of the most beautiful areas in Europe, including Venice and Amsterdam. The grandeur and majesty of the Tsars is everywhere, with a wealth of wonderful palaces, museums, theaters and galleries, all connected by a network of waterways that make traversing St Petersburg an enchanting experience.