Leningrad

Leningrad is the name most commonly used in the 20th century for what is now Saint Petersburg, Russia. The city lies in the northwest of Russia, on the Neva River where it enters the Gulf of Finland, part of the Baltic Sea. It is Russia's second-largest city by population and a major port, cultural, educational, and economic center.

The city was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great as a new window to Europe and was the imperial capital from 1712 to 1918. In 1914 its name was changed to Petrograd, then in 1924 it was renamed Leningrad after Vladimir Lenin.

During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, the city endured a prolonged siege that caused massive civilian suffering and casualties. It was awarded the title Hero City after the war. In 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the city regained its historic name, Saint Petersburg.

Architecturally, Leningrad/St. Petersburg is renowned for the Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Mariinsky Theatre, and many other landmarks.

It has a major seaport and is a leading educational and research hub, anchored by institutions such as Saint Petersburg State University. Administratively, Saint Petersburg is a federal city of Russia and the country’s administrative center for the surrounding region, although it is separate from Leningrad Oblast. Population is around 5.5 million.