By Debra Durkee
Facts About St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg is, in many ways, on the edge of the world. It is the westernmost point in Russia, and it is the northernmost city that has a population of more than 1 million people. It has been the past capital of Russia and remains one of the most important cultural centers of
Europe and
Asia.
History
St. Petersburg was officially founded on May 27, 1703 by Peter the Great. It was named not after its founder, but after Saint Peter the apostle.
Names and Identities
St. Petersburg has gone by a number of different names, including Petrograd and Leningrad. There are a number of towns that have been absorbed into St. Petersburg as the city grew, including Lomonosov, Kolpino, Peterhof, Pushkin, Kronstadt and Pavlovsk.
Architecture
St. Petersburg is the home of some of the most recognizable landmarks in Russia, including the Church of the Savior on Blood (officially known as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ), the Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange, the Kazan Cathedral, the Russian Museum and, of course, Peter the Great's Winter Palace.
Transportation
The site of Russia's first railroad, St. Petersburg has an extensive transit system that includes five railways, trams, trolleys, seaports, a metro system and a bus system that carries up to 3 million people a day.
Crime
Historically, St. Petersburg has been a hotbed of criminal activity, from revolutionary activity and racially motivated murders to assassinations and organized crime. But in the 21st century, crime is largely under control.
Climate
The climate of St. Petersburg is representative of much of Russia--long, cold winters and cool summers. Average annual temperatures hover around 40F, with average humidity and overcast days nearly half the year.
About the Author:
Debra Durkee has been writing professionally since 2005. She has been both a columnist and reporter, with her work appearing in print publications from the Metro Group, Inc in New York to the "Casa Grande Dispatch" in Arizona. Now a freelance writer, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from West Virginia University.
Photo Credits:
Church of the Savior on Blood, Volkov, 2006.
