Saint Petersburg: The Not-So-Saintly City

Welcome to Saint Petersburg, the cosmopolitan city of Russia, where modernity meets history, and politics meet drama. Also known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ Saint Petersburg is often regarded as the cultural capital of Russia. But don’t let those grandiose buildings and picturesque canals fool you, dear readers, this city has a not-so-saintly past.

History

Saint Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, who wanted to create a new capital for Russia. Legend has it that Peter was so impressed by the beauty of the land that he exclaimed, “This is the place for my new window to Europe!” But what he didn’t tell anyone was that he also wanted to keep a close eye on his enemies and prevent any possible uprisings. Thus, Saint Petersburg was built on the blood and sweat of serfs and peasants, who were forced to move to this swampy land and build the city from scratch.

Culture

Saint Petersburg is home to many world-famous museums, such as the Hermitage Museum, which houses more than 3 million works of art and artefacts. But did you know that the museum also has a resident ghost? The ghost of Catherine the Great is said to haunt the halls of the Hermitage, pointing to her favourite paintings and belongings. Beware, visitors, Catherine is known to be a bit of a diva and might not take kindly to you getting in her way.

Politics

Saint Petersburg has been a battleground for many political struggles throughout history. Most recently, the city was at the forefront of the protests against Putin’s regime. The government responded by cracking down on dissenters and throwing them in jail. But not everyone was intimidated. Some brave activists used their sense of humour to fight back. For instance, they organised a ‘March of the Toys’ protest, where people carried toys instead of banners. Because who can arrest a teddy bear, right?

Cuisine

Russian cuisine is famous for its hearty dishes and strong spirits. In Saint Petersburg, the local specialty is ‘pirozhki,’ which are small, stuffed pastries. But there’s a twist: each bakery claims its pirozhki is the best, and the locals are ready to fight to defend their honour. Be prepared for a heated debate if you mention your favourite pirozhki spot.

Conclusion

Saint Petersburg may be known for its grand architecture and cultural heritage, but it’s also a city with a history of oppression, political turmoil, and battles over baked goods. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to bring your sense of humour and your appetite. And maybe a teddy bear, just in case.