Founded in 1703, within ten years St Petersburg had become capital of the Russian empire and quickly gained a reputation as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. In the 20th century it underwent three name changes, three revolutions and a 900-day siege. For a city only three hundred years old, it has an amazing history.

Like its waterbound sisters, Amsterdam and Venice, St Petersburg is built around a network or canals and rivers that are still the life-blood of the city.

They contribute to its unique atmosphete by creating eerie mists that rise from the ice-laden waters in winter, and in summer, a glittering mirror of facades during the slowing sunsets.