The former capital of a grand and Glorious empire which stretched over much of the globe, St. Petersburg is chock-full of culture and history.
Although just 300 years old, St. Petersburg has a rich and exciting history, full of dramatic events and major historical figures. Founded in 1703 by Emperor Peter the Great as his "window on the West", St. Petersburg enjoys a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere and some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe. For those interested in culture and history, St. Petersburg is the perfect holiday destination.
Each of Russia's Imperial rulers left their personal imprint on St. Petersburg, while the 20th century threw the city into a cycle of turmoil from which it is yet to fully extricate itself. Follow the city's dramatic history in the context of the changes in power in Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union.
Renowned for their wealth and extravagance as much as their immense power, the Romanovs ruled Russia for over 300 years, and the extended family produced an extraordinary variety of characters in that time, including some of the most celebrated rulers in modern history.
Peter the Great populated his city with skilled migrants from all over Europe, and his city has ever since attracted the talented and ambitious from all over Russia and beyond, meaning that a pantheon of greats in all fields of human endeavour have called St. Petersburg their home.
