| St. Petersburg is the second biggest city in Russia after Moscow with 4.6 million residents, and the fourth biggest city in Europe after Istanbul, London and Moscow. St. Petersburg is Europe's major cultural centre, and an important Russian seaport on the Baltic Sea. It warmly welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Russia's political and cultural centre for two centuries, the city is sometimes referred to in Russia as the Northern Capital. Over its history it has also been referenced as 'the Venice of the North'. A number of foreign consulates, international agencies, financial institutions and other businesses are located in Saint Petersburg.
Surely, one of the best ways to go sightseeing in the city of rivers and canals is to take a boat ride. Over 70 rivers and canals make their way through the city, with about 400 bridges crossing them. The unique view of the 'Venice of the North' is made up by the looming images of the bridges, the magnificence of the canals, the granite embankments with their slipways and piers, the Eighteenth and nineteenth century palaces and green parks on the banks of the River Neva and the canals, domes and spires of churches and cathedrals, which are seen from faraway.
You can also enjoy the view the city from the comfort of an automobile, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. You will see Saint Petersburg most renowned sights - starting with the splendour of St. Isaac's Cathedral, geometry of Palace Square, visiting the oldest construction of Saint Petersburg - the Peter & Paul Fort and the Cathedral - where Romanovs' family were buried.
Every tourist to the city should go on an excursion to the Hermitage Museum. Nowadays, the Hermitage contains around 2.7 million museum exhibits and displays a full selection of world art from Ancient Egypt to early twentieth century Europe. There are works by renowned painters. The collection is huge and well worth seeing. It has been estimated that if you spend only one minute in front of each museum exhibit, you will stay in the museum for eleven years, but on the guided tour you have the chance to see all the greatest works of art in a few hours, being guided by a qualified guide.
There is far more to see in this fabulous city. |