St. Petersburg

1. St. Petersburg is one of the largest industrial and cultural centres in our country. Its population is over six million people. The city is situated on the banks of the Neva River and its numerous islands. St. Petersburg plays an important part in the development of our economy. Industry, science and art. It is inseparable from the history of Russia. St. Petersburg is considered to be one of the most beautiful and best planned cities in the world.

2. The city was founded in 1703 by Peter thee First May 16, the day of its foundation, is known to be St. Petersburg's birthday. Peter the Great founded the city in the Neva delta as a gateway to Europe and the sea. The Peter and Paul Fortress, the first building erected here, was to protect the city from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

3. St. Petersburg of today is one of greatest industrial cities of Russia. Its leading industries are power machinery construction, instrument making, radio electronics, shipbuilding, etc.

4. St. Petersburg is one of the chief Russian scientific centres. There are more than 50 universities and institutes, over 300 research centres in it. St. Petersburg State University is one of the oldest in our country. St. Petersburg is also the city of theatres and museums. The treasures of Hermitage, the largest museum in Russia, are famous throughout the world. Its collections comprise over 2,500,000 exhibits. The Russian Museum contains one of the largest and richest collections of Russian national painting and sculpture. All in all there are about 50 museums in St. Petersburg.

5. The National Library of Russia plays an important part in the cultural life of the city. It takes one of the leading places in the world for its book fund. Within the walls of the Library you will find practically all Russian and foreign publications.

6. St. Petersburg is the city of parks and gardens, innumerable bridges and canals, monuments and harmonious architectural ensembles. Its avenues, streets, squares, palaces, buildings were created by best architects of the world. The city leaves an unforgettable impression on everybody who visits it.