What is spb?

Saint Petersburg (often abbreviated as SPb) is Russia's second-largest city after Moscow.

• History: Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, it served as the capital of the Russian Empire for over two centuries. Its history is rich and complex, heavily intertwined with the reigns of emperors and empresses like <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Peter%20the%20Great">Peter the Great</a> and Catherine the Great.

• Culture: Known as Russia's "cultural capital," Saint Petersburg boasts world-renowned museums like the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Hermitage%20Museum">Hermitage Museum</a>, the Russian Museum, and numerous theaters, including the Mariinsky Theatre. The city has a strong tradition in ballet, classical music, and literature, producing figures like Tchaikovsky, Dostoevsky, and Pushkin.

• Architecture: Saint Petersburg's architecture is largely Baroque and Neoclassical, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Notable landmarks include the Winter Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The city's canals and bridges contribute to its unique character and often lead it to be called the "Venice of the North."

• Economy: Saint Petersburg is a major economic center, with industries ranging from shipbuilding and manufacturing to tourism and IT. The city is a significant port and transportation hub.

• Geography: Located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea, its climate is humid continental. The White Nights, a period of near-midnight sun in late June, is a popular tourist attraction.

• Education: Saint Petersburg is home to many prestigious universities and research institutions, attracting students from all over the world.