Saint Petersburg (Leningrad)

Saint Petersburg, formerly known as Leningrad, is Russia’s second-largest city, established in 1703 by Peter the Great as a window to Europe. It’s renowned for its stunning architecture, historic canals, and cultural institutions like the Hermitage Museum. Often called Russia’s cultural capital, the city served as the imperial capital for over two centuries and played a key role in Soviet history. Its strategic location on the Baltic Sea makes it a vital port. Saint Petersburg blends European elegance with Russian heritage, attracting millions of visitors annually, and functioning as an important hub for art, history, and commerce in Russia.