St. Petersburg is a city in north-western Russia that was created in 1703 by Peter the Great on the Neva River delta at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. From 1712 to 1918, it served as the imperial capital, and it is still Russia's cultural centre, with places such as the Mariinsky Theatre holding opera and ballet and the State Russian Museum displaying Russian art ranging from Orthodox icon paintings to Kandinsky works. The city is known for its many canals and bridges, which have earned it the nickname "Venice of the North". The most famous of these canals is the Griboedov Canal, which runs through the heart of the city and is lined with palaces and mansions. Other notable canals include the Moika Canal, the Fontanka Canal, and the Neva River itself. St. Petersburg is also home to many world-renowned museums, including the Hermitage, the State Russian Museum, and the Peterhof Palace. The Hermitage is one of the largest art museums in the world, with a collection of over 3 million works of art. The State Russian Museum is home to a collection of Russian art from the 11th century to the present day. Whether you're interested in art, history, architecture, or simply exploring a beautiful city, St. Petersburg is a destination that is sure to please.