St. Petersburg: The cultural capital of Russia

Saint Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, is widely celebrated as the cultural heart of the nation. Founded in 1703, it lies at the eastern end of the Gulf of Finland on the Neva River Delta. The city was renamed Petrograd in 1914, and later Leningrad in 1924 following the death of Vladimir Lenin.

Often referred to as an "open-air museum," St. Petersburg is renowned for its deep cultural and historical legacy. It is home to countless architectural marvels and iconic landmarks, including the Peter and Paul Fortress, Peter the Great's Summer Palace, the Winter Palace, Kazan Cathedral and St. Isaac's Cathedral. These magnificent structures, with their elegant and richly diverse styles, continue to draw tourists and scholars from around the globe.

As a vital center of Russian culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint Petersburg stands as a shining example of architectural splendor, historical depth, and artistic achievement – a true gem on the world stage.

(Photos via VCG)