(Locator); (Russia Tourist Map)...founded in 1703, St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia. The city is often compared to Venice and Amsterdam due to the large numbers of canals that flow through the city. Over the course of its history, St. Petersburg has had a couple other names: Petrograd and Leningrad. In 1991 it reverted back to its original name. Founded by Peter the Great, it was proclaimed to be the "Window on Western Europe". Attracted to the city's character, writers, poets and artists flocked here and made St. Petersburg their home. Here you can find house-museums of Dostoyevsky and Pushkin, the Mariinsky Ballet, and the world's greatest art collection at the State Hermitage Gallery. Many agree that St. Petersburg's elegant appearance is owed to its bridges. One of the remarkable features of large bridges across Neva river is the constructional design, that allows them to open for passing sea ships during navigation period (May-November). This magnificent views normally can be watched during the night time - early morning, and especially spectacular during famous White Nights Festival period (early June to mid July). Click here for more information about St. Petersburg and its popular Landmarks
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train from Moscow - 3.5 - 7 hours
