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     Peter The Great 1

      St. Petersburg is one of the most attractive cities in the world. It is often called the cultural capital of Russia. For two hundred years - till the year of 1918 - Saint Petersburg was the capital of Russian empire. This city bewitches with the beauty of its unique palaces, cathedrals, parks, squares, channels and embankments. In 2003 Saint Petersburg reached teh age of 300 years . It was founded in 1703 by the most famous Russian tsar, Peter I (the Great). The founders of Saint Petersburg dreamed it to be <<the window to Europe>>. The great city which would help them to come closer to the European community. The best European community. The best European and Russian architects of the 18th century were driven together to project the city. The masterpieces created by them have developed in a harmonious architectural ensemble.

     The oldest building of the architectural ensemble of Saint Petersburg is the Peter-and-Paul Fortress. It is located on the small island in the widest places of the Neva River. The foundation of the Peter-and-Paul Fortress was laid on May 16, 1703, and this date is considered the birthday of the city. Nevertheless the Palace Square is recognised as the centre of historic Saint Petersburg. The ensemble of the Palace Square with the Winter Palace, the building of the General Staff and Guards Corps are world-famous.

Architect of St. Petersburg

     The majestic baroque building of the Winter Palace was projected by Italian architect Rastrelli in the middle of the 18th century.Admiralty constructed in Imperial style is a core of the city central part. Three main streets of Saint Petersburg ray from this building. The gilded spike of Admiralty is crow with the ship - weathercock. Ship is one of the symbols of Saint Petersburg. One of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals - St. Isaac's Cathedral - was constructed in the 19th century by the architect Monferrahn. The admirable collection of the Russian monumental painting, sculpture and mosaic adorn this cathedral. One of the symbols of Saint Petersburg - Bronze Horseman- is located near to the cathedral. This monument to Peter I was created in 1782 by the architect Falkone. Great number of the world-famous architectural masterpieces is located here: Winter Palace, Palace Square, St. Isaak Cathedral, Kazansky Cathedral, Peter-and-Paul Fortress and Admiralty.

   

Winter Palace in St. Petersburg

   There are 93 rivers and canals in Saint PPetersburgetersburg. There total length is about 300 kms. The city is adorned with 342 bridges. The perfect architecture with the combination of the abundance of beautiful rivers and channels rant St. Perersburg with the most beautiful cities of the world. Northern Venice and Nothern Palmira - that is how people call Saint Petersburg. One just can't help admiring the fine horse statues made by Peter Klodt on the Anichkov bridge in the 19th century. Saint Petersburg by right is considered the cultural capital of Russia according to a quantity of museums and theatres. The well-known Hermitage has the richest art collection in the world. More that 3 000 000 exhibits are gathered in its halls. Among the art treasures of the museum, the best in the world collection of the West-European art stands out. It includes masterpieces by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso and other great masters. Another famous museum-Russian Museum- has the largest collection of Russian art. All Russian painting and sculpture genres of the 10-20 centuries are shown there. There are more than 80 theatres, including the world-famous Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theatre.

White nights in St. Petersburg

     A peculiarity of the city is also its season of <<the White nights>>. Those who visit St. Petersburg from the end of May to the middle of July - when for more than 50 days the sun almost doesn't set behind the skyline - can enjoy the wonderful panoramas of the city at night walking along numerous stone embankments. The international Festival of Arts <<White Night Stars>> is held in St. Petersburg every year. This event attracts crowds of participants and spectators. Northern capital of Russia is beautiful not only in summer, but also in winter. White snow covering squares, tress and roofs of the houses emphasizes the beauty of the palaces, cathedrals and other historical buildings. Many concerts and cultural events are held in the framework of the winter festival <<Art Square>> and the project called <<White days>>.

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Saint Petersburg Suburbs

     It is impossible to discover the real beauty of St. Petersburg without visiting its suburbs adorned with the magnificent palaces, parks and country residences of Russian emperors.

     Peterhof is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It is famous with its splendid park and great number of fountains. The northern facade of the Peterhof Palace is embellished with the magnificent 64 fountains cascade and gilt sculptures.

     The Catherine Palace in Tsarskoe Selo (nowadays Pushkin) is one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of Russian baroque. One of the beautiful halls of the Catherine Palace, <<The Amber Room>>, was re-created and now opened for the visitors. <<The Amber Room>> with its unique exhibits has been stolen by Nazis during the World War II. Its laborious reconstruction lasted a few decades and has has been completed just recently.

     Tsarskoye Selo is also famous with its Lyceum where the greatest Russian poet Alexander Pushkin studied in the 19th century. The city of Pavlovsk is remarkable for the palace erected at the end of the 18th century. This palace surrounded with vast landscape park, charming rococo and romanticism style bridges, was the residence of emperor Paul I.

     Konstantinovskiy Palace in Strelna near Saint Peterburg was restored a few years ago. Originally it was erected as the mainemperors' residence, but then was neglected. Now the restored palace is the government residence on special occasions.