Pretty interesting and even mysterious considers to be the history of its creation. Saint-Petersburg was erected at a short period of time on a marshy small-populated land. Various myths and legends about the city's birth were composed at that time. Many people didn't feel any confidence for it, they predicted its imminent death. According to the most frequent prophecies of that period Saint-Petersburg was to be destroyed by the flood. Regardless of all those sayings the city held up against all the hardships and over its 300 years it has become even stronger and more beautiful. And today when we are looking back at its history we can certainly call it the city of great events and changes.

It is also significant that throughout many years Saint-Petersburg was the capital of Russia. Lots of important historic events in the life of the country took place here. The first Russian emperor - Peter the Great - was crowned in Saint-Petersburg. The city was the scene for palace overturns. Here the famous cruiser "Aurora" fired its legendary shot which gave a signal for the start of the October Revolution. The heart of Saint-Petersburg was deeply wounded by the 900 days of blockade in the years of the Great Patriotic War. Thus, the city that was so excellently created by Peter the Great since its first days of existence became the political as well as the cultural capital of Russia.

The city itself originated from the Peter and Paul Fortress which was erected on Zayachiy Island on the right bank of the Neva river. The first stone of the fortress was laid down on may 27, 1703. Though it never happened in future that this building performed its direct historical functions, today the center of Saint-Petersburg displays a unique view - a military fortress in the very heart of the city. Nowadays the Museum of the History of Saint-Petersburg can be found there.

The Hermitage is a well-known outstanding museum. Together with Louvre in Paris it is considered to be one of the best museums of the world. It is the masterpiece recorded to UNESCO list of public ownership. The Hermitage comprises a huge collection of paintings, sculptures and fine examples of arts and crafts of Western Europe. The interior of the Palace in its best way transmits the spirit of the epoque of the Russian monarchy and illustrates the life of Russian tzars.

The Russian Museum is a splendid architectural construction built in a style of classicism. It introduces a wide collection of Russian art. Here you will see the beautiful works of Russian masters of painting and arts and crafts beginning with the Middle Ages up to modern time. The museum will help you to experience the traditions of Russian people and learn much about the culture of the country.

Saint-Petersburg is famous for its numerous cathedrals and churches built in different styles. And the largest of them is St. Isaac's Cathedral which amazes with its size and greatness. Due to that it can be compared with St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Because of the marshy soil 10 762 foundation piles were hammered in to the basis during the construction of the cathedral. And the construction itself lasted for 40 years! The long spiral staircase goes up to the dome of the cathedral so that nowadays we can enjoy a wonderful view of Saint-Petersburg and even its outskirts.

The citizens of Saint-Petersburg as well as the foreigners feel a special sympathy for the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. And the place where it is situated has its own tragic history. It was constructed directly on the place of the terrible assassination of the emperor Alexander 2 and that's why it was decided to build the cathedral exactly on the embankment. And that historical incident gave the cathedral its second and most famous name - the Savior-on-Blood. The building was created in Russian style. At the same time it is considered to be the geological museum because some of the materials used both in the interior and the exterior of the cathedral don't exist in nature and don't have analogues in the whole world.

Talking about Saint-Petersburg we can't but mention that it is the city on the water and it has its own seaport. One of the main symbols of the city is the small ship placed on the spire of the Admiralty. The founder of Saint-Petersburg - tzar Peter the Great - was carried away by the idea of creating the city in Russia very much like Amsterdam because its beauty amazed him a lot. That is why Saint-Petersburg is often called New Amsterdam. Nowadays the historical center of the city is crossed with a great number of rivers and channels. And the number of its bridges is even innumerable.

But the main thing is that Saint-Petersburg has its own soul and heart. And if you come here you will certainly feel the spirit of Saint-Petersburg. It is the city of tolerance, faith and hope. The citizens of Saint-Petersburg are very proud of their native city and we know that you will also like it. And be sure that you will be always met with kindness and hospitality which are so inherent in Russian people. You'll have a chance to feel yourself a part of the city, you'll walk through its comfortable pedestrian zones, stand on its granite embankments, relax in its peaceful gardens. The city of Saint Peter will meet you with all its love and you will never forget those few days that you will stay here.