Saint Petersburg, known as Leningrad from 1924 to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. The city located on the Neva River at the head of the Baltic Sea was founded by Tsar Peter I the Great in 1703 and served as capital of the Russian Empire from 1713 to 1918.
The highlight of Saint Petersburg is definitely the Historic Centre which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991. The Winter Palace/The Hermitage Museum, the official residence of Russian Tsars from 1732 to 1917 is the city’s main attraction but worth visiting in Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg are also: Russian Museum, Peter and Paul Fortress, Russian Admiralty, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Saint Isaac Cathedral and Kazan Cathedral.
Saint Petersburg often referred as the “Venice of the north” and the “Northern Palmyra” is a charming city and great place to visit, especially if being interested in historical heritage. If planning to stay in or near Saint Petersburg for a longer period you should also visit nearby fortifications of the Russian seaport Kronstadt 20 miles from Saint Petersburg and Oreshek Fortress 22 miles east from Saint Petersburg designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites along Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg in 1991.
