Venice of the North, St. Petersburg
Founded by Peter the Great on the Neva Marshes, St. Petersburg was designed by architects brought from all over the world by Peter to resemble Venice, with the aim of making the city an archipelago. St. Petersburg, consisting of a total of 42 islands, is called the "Venice of the North."
The city, formerly known as Petrograd, was later called Leningrad after Lenin's death. Following the collapse of the USSR, it was renamed Petersburg as a result of a referendum.
The city, which covers an area of 1400 square kilometers, is divided in two by the Neva River. The southern bank of the city, which hosts more than 50 museums, is known as the center of Petersburg. The period from the end of May to the middle of August is defined as the White Nights. During this period, when open-air concerts, fashion shows, and various entertainments are held, the sun barely sets, and shops remain open until midnight. The city is in motion almost all day. Prices are also quite high during this period due to the heavy influx of tourists.
Petersburg, also famous for its bridges, has all its bridges illuminated. Its metro is as famous as its bridges. The 105 km long metro is the oldest and deepest metro in the world. 
