Saint Petersburg
Country: Russia
Region: Europe
Period: 1712-1918
Location: 59.9375°N, 30.308611°E
Description
"Petrograd, originally called Saint Petersburg, was the capital of the Russian Empire from 1712 until 1918. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 on the Neva River, it was designed to be a ""window to Europe,"" symbolizing Russia's shift toward modernization and Westernization. The city served as the political, cultural, and intellectual heart of the empire and played a pivotal role in Russian history, including the events of the February Revolution in 1917."
Modern Remains
Today, the city is known as Saint Petersburg after it was renamed in 1924, following the Bolshevik Revolution. Despite the name change, many landmarks from the Petrograd era remain, including Palace Square, the Winter Palace, and Peter and Paul Fortress, which house significant historical and cultural collections. The city retains its status as Russia's cultural capital, with institutions like the Hermitage Museum and the Mariinsky Theatre. It also continues to celebrate its rich imperial and revolutionary history.