Saint-Petersburg formerly known as Leningrad and Petrograd is a city located in North-Western region of Russia on the delta of Neva River on the Baltic Sea. It is the administrative center of the Leningrad Region and the Northwestern Federal District.

The city was founded by Peter the Great (Peter the First) in 1703 as a "window to Europe". It was the capital of the country since 1711 until 1918. With about 5 million inhabitants, today it is the second largest city in Russia, the fourth largest city in Europe, the largest northernmost city in the World and the most important Russian Baltic Sea port.

The magnificent appearance of Saint-Petersburg is achieved through a wide variety of architectural details which are expressed in design of the city: long, straight streets and prospects, large squares, many gardens and parks, numerous monuments and decorative sculptures. The Neva River itself, together with its many canals and their granite embankments and bridges, gives the city a unique and striking ambience. These bodies of water led to Saint-Petersburg being given the name of "Venice of the North".

Due to Saint-Petersburg's position on the latitude of 60° N, twilight lasts all night in May, June and July. Such a phenomenon is known as the "white nights". The white nights are often associated with another attraction - the drawbridges on Neva River. Tourists gather to watch the process of drawning and lowering of bridges.

Saint-Petersburg is also considered to be the cultural capital of Russia - there are more than 50 museums all over the city. Along with museums visitors can enjoy splendid views of different palaces and churches concentrated mostly in the center of the city.

Saint-Petersburg has a very rich history which was accumulating in it since the 18th century. This city is worth visiting due to its invaluable cultural memorials, spirit of the 19th century which will carry you away, and of course its individuality!