About Saint Petersburg

St. Petersburg (in 1914-24 Petrograd, in 1924-91 Leningrad), founded in 1703 by Peter-the-Great, is the major industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Russia and Europe. It was the capital of Russia in 1712-28 and 1732-1918. 

St. Petersburg is not only cultural centre but also a well-known centre of science and education. There are more than 40 government universities and institutes with nearly 30000 foreign students from 100 countries. They get knowledge from highly qualified teachers who are well known around the world.

More than 360 research institutions are functioning here. Among them there are 30 institutions of the Academy of Sciences, 34 educational and research institutes of medical type.

Peter-the-Great, founder of the city created a piece of Europe in 1703 hoping to absorb the best from its neighboring European countries. It was a daring move in the history of Russia and when the city flourished after few decades, people named it "the gate to Europe". In fact the city proves its name to this day for people here truly enjoy relative prosperity. It will be well in place to mention that Finland is 6 hours drive: Sweden, Germany, Holland, England, France and all the European countries are not more than 3 hours flight from this city.

It is famous for its culture and architecture. Numerous museums, theatres, concert-halls, cinemas, and exhibitions are open for visitors. At summer time, you can be eyewitness of this the "white nights" amazing scene of nature. Nothing can be compared with night walks around a lit city as at daytime, and watching the beautiful sight of opening drawbridges. 

Weather in Saint Petersburg:

Season	Month	Temperature (oC)
Spring Summer Fall Winter	March to May June to August September to November December to February	+8 - +19 +20 - +27 +19 - +5 +4 - -10