Saint Petersburg – The Cultural Capital of Russia

Saint Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia and is often called the cultural capital of the country. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and served as the capital of Russia for over two centuries. The city is located on the Neva River, near the Baltic Sea, and has a population of over 5 million people. Saint Petersburg is famous for its beautiful architecture, wide canals, and historic palaces.

One of the most famous landmarks is the Hermitage Museum, which is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world. It contains millions of works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts. The city is also known for the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood with its colourful onion domes. The Nevsky Prospekt is the main street of Saint Petersburg and a popular place to walk, shop, and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Saint Petersburg has a rich cultural life with many theatres, including the Mariinsky Theatre, where you can see performances of ballet and opera. The city hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. White Nights is a famous period in summer when the sun hardly sets, and the city comes alive with music, dance, and celebrations.

An interesting fact: Saint Petersburg is sometimes called the "Venice of the North" because of its many rivers and canals. The city blends European elegance with Russian history and is a wonderful destination for tourists who want to learn about the past and enjoy art and nature today.

Vocabulary

• cultural capital – культурная столица
• founded – основан
• landmark – достопримечательность
• artifacts – артефакты, предметы старины
• cathedral – собор
• main street – главная улица
• vibrant – оживлённый
• theatre – театр
• performance – представление, спектакль
• festival – фестиваль
• White Nights – Белые ночи (летний период)
• sun hardly sets – солнце почти не заходит
• blend – сочетание, смешение
• European elegance – европейская элегантность
• tourist destination – туристическое направление

Questions about the text

1. What is Saint Petersburg often called?
2. Who founded Saint Petersburg and when?
3. Where is Saint Petersburg located?
4. What is the population of the city?
5. What is the Hermitage Museum known for?
6. What are some famous landmarks in Saint Petersburg?
7. What is the main street of the city?
8. What can you do on Nevsky Prospekt?
9. What kind of performances can you see at the Mariinsky Theatre?
10. What is the White Nights festival?
11. Why is Saint Petersburg called the "Venice of the North"?
12. What kind of places does it blend in its culture?
13. Why is Saint Petersburg popular for tourists?
14. How long was Saint Petersburg the capital of Russia?
15. What natural features does the city have?

Discussion questions

1. Have you ever visited Saint Petersburg?
2. Which city would you like to visit more: Moscow or Saint Petersburg? Why?
3. Do you like visiting museums and art galleries?
4. Would you like to see a ballet or opera in a famous theatre?
5. What festivals do you enjoy in your country?
6. Would you like to experience the White Nights? Why or why not?
7. Do you prefer big cities or small towns for travelling?
8. What do you like to do on a main street in a city?
9. What can tourists learn from visiting historic cities?
10. How important is it to preserve old architecture?
11. What are the benefits of blending tradition and modern life?
12. Would you like to live in a city with many canals like Saint Petersburg?
13. What similarities does Saint Petersburg have with cities you know?
14. How does nature add to the beauty of a city?
15. Would you travel abroad to learn about another culture and history?