St. Petersburg, Russia, is known as a mecca of cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks. Founded by Tsar Peter I (the Great), it is unofficially known as Russia’s cultural capital and most European city.
Famous landmarks include the Winter Palace, a former royal residence now part of the Hermitage art museum. The Hermitage itself is housed within five interconnected buildings and contains nearly three million items. The Admiralty, the nucleus of Peter’s original city, features an elegant spire that is one of the principal landmarks of the city. Also notable is Nevsky Prospekt, considered the city’s main thoroughfare.