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The remarkably beautiful city glorified as the "Northern Palmyra" lies on more than hundred islands of the Neva delta. Standing on the broadest part of the delta, Zayachi Island, Hare Isaland, is the severe building of the Peter and Paul Fortress. It was founded on May 16, 1703 and is of the same age with the city once built as Russia's advanced post in the North War against Sweden. In the same year 1703 the foundation of the cathedral "in the name of Apostles Peter and Paul" was laid on the Fortress ground. Up rose the light guilded Peter and Paul spire crowned by the weather-cock in the shape of the angel with the cross. It was 122 meters tall.

A beautiful city was spreading along the Neva banks. That city, "the beauty and marvel of northern countries" became a new Russian capital in 1712. St.Petersburg is a well-planned elegant city sparkling with the "colour-print" beauty, a work of art having its own, matchless image. Its filigree silouette has earned the city the fame of one of the most beautiful cities of the world. Palacian ensemles hold a special place in St.Petersburg's architectural image.

The golden domes of St.Petersburg's churches are well-known all over the world as are the city's famous spires. St.Petersburg looks beautiful during summer white nights when the city is sunk in the blue-lilac twilight, when the evening glow almost meets the dawn colouring. Its suburbs are no less atractive. The fountains of Peterhof, the Tsarskoe Selo Gardens and Palaces, the green spaces of Pavlovsk - all this is grand, elegant and unique in its own way. Apart from its individual architectural image St.Petersburg boasts of its own proud and independent character. Built "to spite of arrogant neighbour", the city has survived three revolutions. Never it was brought down to its knees.

For more than two centuries St.Petersburg had been the capital of Russia that amassed unique riches of the home and world culture and gave a wide scope to the activities of great researches, writers, composers, artists, sculptors and architects of the past. The Russian Academy of Sciences was founded in St.Petersburg in 1724. Now St.Petersburg continues to be the cultural capital of Russia and is preparing to its 300 anniversary to be celebrated in 2003.

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