| St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow with 4.6 million inhabitants, and Europe's biggest city after Istanbul, London and Moscow. Saint Petersburg is Europe's major cultural centre, and an important Russian seaport on the Baltic Sea. It welcomes hundreds thousands of tourists every year. Having been Russia's political and cultural centre for 200 years, the city is sometimes referred to in Russia as the Northern Capital. For centuries, it has also been referenced as 'the Venice of the North'. A number of overseas consulates, international corporations, banks and other businesses are located in St. Petersburg.
Surely, one of the best ways to enjoy the magnificent view of the city of rivers and canals is to take a boat ride. Over 70 canals and rivers make their way through the city, with approximately 400 bridges crossing them. The unique view of the 'Venice of the North' is created by the looming silhouettes of the bridges, the grandeur of the rivers, the granite embankments with their slipways and piers, the 18th and 19th century palaces and parks on the banks of the River Neva and the canals, domes and spires of churches and cathedrals, visible from a long way off.
You can also enjoy the view the city in an automobile, guided by a well-qualified guide. You will take a complete tour of Saint Petersburg most popular sites - starting with the grandeur of St. Isaac's Cathedral, geometry of Palace Square, visiting the oldest structure of Saint Petersburg - the Peter & Paul Fort and the Cathedral - the burial vault of the Romanovs.
Every tourist to the city should visit the Hermitage Museum. These days, the Hermitage Museum has around 2.7 million exhibits and displays a full range of world art from Ancient Egypt to early twentieth century Europe. It includes works by noted painters. The collection is vast and very exciting. It has been estimated that if you decide to spend only one minute in front of each exhibit, you will stay in the museum for 11 years, but on the tour you have the chance to see all the great works of art in several hours, being guided by a well-qualified guide.
There is much more to discover in this fabulous city. |
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