History of Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great as Russia’s "window to Europe," aiming to modernize and westernize the country. It became Russia’s capital in 1712, a hub for culture, arts, and politics. The city endured periods of upheaval, including the Russian Revolution in 1917, which shifted power away from the monarchy. Renamed Petrograd and later Leningrad, it played a key role in Soviet history. After the fall of the Soviet Union, it retook its original name, Saint Petersburg. Today, it’s known for its imperial architecture, cultural institutions, and historic significance in Russian history.