The city was founded on May 16, 1703, by the Julian calendar (May 27 new style). On that day the fortress of Saint Petersburg (the city of St. Peter) was laid on Zayachiy Island, in the delta of the Neva River, by the order of Peter I (who reigned 1689 - 1725). The new fortress became Russia's main stronghold in the North-West, providing a safe outlet to the sea during the War with Sweden (1700 - 1721), and maintaining Russia's connection with the developed countries of Western Europe. After the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral was erected in the fortress, it changed its name and is now known as the Peter-and-Paul Fortress. The fortifications were designed by Domenico Tresini. Peter's idea was to build a convenient harbor and a new city, which was to become Russia's new capital. Saint Petersburg was to equal European capitals in splendor and importance
St. Petersburg had 300-year-old birthday
on May 27th, 2003.
In the Catherinepalace the new construction of the faded away
