Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg
| |
|---|---|
| Country | Russia |
| Region | European Russia |
| Settled | May 27, 1703 |
| Population | 4,879,566 |
| Area (sq mi) | 556 sq mi |
St Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербург), the "Northern Capital of Russia," is the country's second largest city and is located on the River Neva close to the Gulf of Finland. During the Russian Revolution the Provisional Government renamed the city as Petrograd; the Soviets then seized power and renamed the city Leningrad after Lenin the leader of the Bolsheviks.
St. Petersburg is a world-renowned cultural center with many museums, galleries, performing arts venues[1] and gay bathhouses.[2] In addition, it is home to a thriving literary community and many outdoor spaces. It is widely considered to be the cultural center of Russia.[3] St. Petersburg has been called the 'Venice of the North' due to its numerous canals and more than 400 bridges. It canals are the result of a vast urban project begun in 1703 under Russia's leader Peter the Great.
The city's inhabitants generally refer to it as "Petersburg" (without "Saint")[4] or, commonly, simply "Peter".[Citation Needed]
Window on Europe
Czar Peter the Great created the city in 1703 as a "Window on Europe." From 1712 until 1918 St Petersburg was the imperial capital of Russia, the city facilitated Russia's expansion and modernisation. As a gateway to Western influence it attracted artists, scholars, scientists, soldiers and businessmen from all over Europe.[1]
Siege of Leningrad
During World War Two the city was heavily damaged during the "Siege of Leningrad." The siege lasted for 900 days and caused the death of almost 700,000 people. Many people died of starvation as the city's supply of food and water was cut off. A large number of people were also directly killed by the attacking Germans [2].
Nearly 500,000 people are buried in a city park in St. Petersburg. "No one is forgotten and nothing is forgotten" reads the inscription. World War II remains extremely personal to the Russian people. President Vladimir Putin's older brother is buried at the site.[5]
See also
External links
References
- ↑ The Essential Guide to Arts & Culture in St. Petersburg
- ↑ https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Talk:Main_Page&diff=next&oldid=2083937
- ↑ The Essential Guide to Arts & Culture in St. Petersburg
- ↑ See, for example, Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment
- ↑ https://x.com/SprinterObserve/status/1883866770835992922
