Guide Note

Saint Petersburg, formerly called Petrograd and Leningrad, was returned to its original name in 1991. The city was founded by Tsar Peter I of Russia in 1703 and was the capital of the Russian Empire for over 200 years until the Russian Revolution of 1917. Saint Petersburg, the most northern city in the world with a population over 1 million, has been referred to as the "Venice of the North" and the "Paris of the East."¹ Because of its location, the city experiences "White Nights" from late May to early July when the night sky remains bright. ¹

Fast Facts

1. Country: Russia
2. Language Spoken: Russian
3. Currency: Ruble
4. Country Code: 7
5. Population: 4.75 million ¹
6. Climate: 10°F (winter), 65°F (summer) ²
7. Time Zone: GMT

1. Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul: The second tallest building in the city, this cathedral is the final resting place of almost all of Russia's rulers since Peter the Great. ¹
2. The Bronze Horseman: This monument honors the founder of Saint Petersburg, Peter the Great. It was built by the Empress Catherine the Great. ¹
3. The Alexander Column: This monument, located in the palace square, commemorates Russia's victory in the war with Napoleon Bonaparte. It was named after Emperor Alexander I, who led Russia from 1801-1825 during the Napoleonic Wars. ¹
4. The Narva Triumphal Arch: This arch is a memorial to the War of 1812. It was specifically built on the Narva highway to greet soldiers returning from war with Napoleon. ¹
5. The Moscow Triumphal Gates: These gates were built to commemorate Russia's victory in the Russo-Turkish War of 1828 and act as a gateway to the city. ¹
6. The Peter and Paul Fortress: Peter the Great had this fortress built shortly after he founded Saint Petersburg. Today it is one of the city's main tourist attractions. ¹
7. Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad: Over 700,000 civilians died during the Blockade of Leningrad, which lasted from September 1941 to January 1944. This museum chronicles this tragic event in the city's history. ¹
8. Leningrad Zoo: This zoo is the second largest in Russia and houses 2,000 animals from 410 different species. ¹
9. The Catherine Garden: A 1873 statue of Catherine the Great dominates this public garden. A public library is located inside the garden and is considered one of the most important libraries in the world. ¹

If planning a trip, please see Saint Petersburg Hotels, St. Petersburg Restaurants and St. Petersburg Tours.

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