St-Petersburg

Area: 606 sq km

Population: 4 581 854

Climate: The climate is intermediate (from nautical to continental). The average temperature in July is +18 C, in February -8 C.

Area code: 812

St-Petersburg is one of most popular tourist destination not only in Russia but worldwide. The main city attraction is its cultural and historical heritage, fascinating outlook, European class accommodation and variety of travel services. For Russians St-Petersburg is not only cultural heart of modern day Russia, but mainly the city that reflects the essence of Russia to the most as it has undergone trials and shock ( the city construction, revolution and siege) that affected the destiny of every Russian

The highlight of St-Petersburg is its architecture. The city fascinates with its European elegance and architectural consonance combining classicism and baroque. St-Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, in Neva estuary and was destined to be Russian "window to Europe".The city architecture combines various styles of different epochs and commemorates the names of world-known masters as Trezzini, Rastrelli, Kvasov, Rossi, Stasov, Quarenghi and other architects.

The islands, winding rives and canals add the unique charm to St-Petersburg. Laced bridges, shining domes of magnificent cathedrals, gorgeous panes of palaces overwhelm the visitors to St-Petersburg. The unique natural phenomenon, called "white nights" makes the city especially enchanting starting from later May to early July. Another famous attraction of St-Petersburg is drawing-bridges watching which is all-time tourist enjoyment.

The heritage of the Old City Centre and the many royal residences in the suburbs are inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list

The must see during the city tour is the Spit of Vasilievsky Island and Peter& Paul Fortress, the Decembrists' Square with the monument of Peter the Great, 101,5 meters high St.Isaac's Cathedral and Isaakievskaya Square, the spacious Palace Square with tremendous Winter Palace and famous Alexander Column, the Summer Garden with its marble Italian statues and Summer palace of Peter the Great, Russian museum, Our Saviour's Church in R Russian style, Smolny monastery and Institute and Nevsky Avenue (Nevsky prospekt) - the main street of the city. Not to miss Peter & Paul Fortess, the historical core of St. Petersburg, where the history of St. Petersburg began; The Hermitage, which is the largest museum in Russia and one of the most famous museum all over the world, Peterhof, the favourite residence of Peter the Great and the Russian capital of fountains.

St-Petersburg counts moire ten 10900 theaters and theater groups, including world-famous Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theater, Mussorgsky (Mikhailovsky)Opera and Ballet Theatre, State philarmonia.

Around 20 international art and theater festivals, thousands art contests, exhibitions and performances take place in St-Petersburg annually.

City of St. Petersburg - The official city of St-Petersburg. News, calendar of meetings and events; online "action line" for citizens' complaints and requests for information.

The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia- The official site of Hermitage.

Peterhof State Museum Reserve The official site.