This fascinating historical city founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. After the surrender of Swedish forces at the fort of Nienchanz during the Northern War, Peter the Great required a fort to guard the freshly conquered lands of the Neva Delta. The fort of Nienchanz was inadequate and had sustained too much damage, so he was forced to look elsewhere.

Eventually, the Island of Enisaari was the chosen destination for Peter the Great’s new fortress. Consequently, on May 16th, 1703, (which became the official birthday of the city) St Petersburg's fortress (the Peter and Paul Fortress) was founded.

The construction of the fortress cost many lives, working extremely long hours with little food and housed in very poor conditions killed the many soldiers and peasants that were building it. With the war still ongoing it had to be finished.

Due to the boggy landscape, within months, the new settlers in the city soon suffered from the notorious St Petersburg floods. The area was thought to be unsuitable as a town, but it had incredible strategic significance, therefore under Peter the Great, the city was expanded regardless. Initially a small town surrounding the fortress, it grew and became the new Russian capital in 1712 and remained as such for over two centuries.

St Petersburg is renowned for its many bridges; in fact there are over 500 of them. This is due to the city being made up of numerous little islands. They are in a variety of styles and some are only suitable to walk over due to their slender size.

If you are an art connoisseur, head to Palace Square and see the many Masters paintings in the Winter Palace. In the same square, you can’t fail to miss the dramatic 156ft high Alexander Column that was constructed in an awesome single section of red granite.

Many different faiths are represented in the city and there are literally hundreds of Churches signifying many different faiths. St Petersburg is famous for its Russian Orthodox Cathedrals.

There is also an abundance of wonderful monuments dotted all around the city and some magnificent “Palace and Park” collections to be explored as you imagine what life was like for the Russian aristocracy in times gone by.

The climate in St Petersburg is generally mild, although it can be unpredictable at times. The warmest period is normally from June through to August with average temperatures of 20˚C or higher. If you don’t mind the bitter cold winds and snow with the temperatures plunging to -8°C or lower, then January and February will see cheaper accommodation prices available.