St. Petersburg, formerly Leningrad (1924–1991) and Petrograd (1914–1924), a major historical and cultural centre and an important port, is situated in the northwestern part of Russia (about 400 miles (640 km) northwest of Moscow).
St. Petersburg is the second largest city of Russia and one of the world’s major and most fascinating cities. It has played a vital role in Russian history since its founding in 1703. It was founded by Tsar Peter I (Peter the Great) as Russia’s “window on Europe”, it bears the unofficial status of Russia’s cultural capital and most European city.
The city's harmonious mix of western European and Russian lavish architecture, high art, an extraordinary history and rich cultural traditions have inspired and nurtured many of the modern world's greatest literature, music, and visual art.
St. Petersburg can count itself as Russia’s cultural capital. A city of palaces, waterways and boulevards — scenic and yet with enormous energy — St. Petersburg is the perfect place for the arts to flourish.
The Historic Centre of St. Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The “Hermitage”, one of the largest art museums in the world, the Kirov Ballet are located in St. Petersburg. The city has 221 museums, 2000 libraries, more than 80 theaters, 100 concert organizations, 45 galleries and exhibition halls, 62 cinemas, and about 80 other cultural establishments. Every year the city hosts around 100 festivals and various competitions of art and culture.
One of the main characteristic features of the city is its many waterways. The short but full-flowing tributaries and canals of the Neva River that stretch to the Baltic coast are inseparable from St. Petersburg’s panorama. Many of the city’s most famous architectural sites stretch along the Neva’s historic embankments. Moreover, the bridges and natural canals of the river have earned St. Petersburg the nickname “Venice of the North.”
St. Petersburg lies only about 7° south of the Arctic Circle. And due to its northerly location, the city enjoys the “White Nights,” from June 11 to July 2, when daylight extends to nearly 19 hours.
From the mysterious twilight of the White Nights to world-beating opera and ballet productions on magical winter evenings, St. Petersburg charms and entices in every season.
You are welcome to study at our University and enjoy magnificent Saint Petersburg's views in winter and summer time!
TRAVELLING TO ST PETERSBURG
The common and most convenient way to get to St. Petersburg is by plane that arrives at Pulkovo airport.
You can get from Pulkovo airport to the city center or the university dormitory by public transport: bus + metro. This trip takes 1- 1.5 hours and costs ~ 1.5 $.
All well-known taxi networks operate in the city — Yandex Go, Uber and GetTaxi. It usually costs ~ 5–10 $ to get to the city center from the Pulkovo airport.