St Petersburg was founded on May 16 1703, when Tsar Peter the Great seized control over the land surrounding the Neva during a protracted war with Sweden.
The city has played a vital role in Russian history since its founding. For two centuries (from 1712 until 1918) it was the capital of the Russian Empire.
Spanning a history of just over 300 years, St Petersburg has been the backdrop to many historic events over the centuries.
In 1712, Peter the Great declared the new city of St Petersburg as the Capital of Russia.
In 1741, Empress Elizabeth’s reign began and was met with the finest European art, literature, musical talent, architecture and magnificent churches. St Petersburg was becoming the city Peter envisioned as ‘Russia’s Window to the West.’
The city is remembered as the scene of February and October Revolutions of 1917 and for its fierce defense whilst besieged during World War 2.
The city’s name bounced around for a decade in the 1900’s it was called the more Russian, Petrograd.
It wasn’t until 1918 that Lenin (head of government) changed the capital back to Moscow.
Architecturally, it ranks as one of the most splendid cities of Europe. It historic district was designated a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage site in 1990.
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