City and population
Saint Petersburg is the second most populous city in Russia. Currently, it is home to over 4.5 million people. Situated on more than 40 islands in the Neva Delta, Saint Petersburg was once the capital of the Russian Empire, and is now, along with Moscow, the most famous Russian city. Saint Petersburg is located in the northwest of Russia. The city has always attracted tourists due to its unique beauty and elegance.
Attractions
For its many canals, islands and bridges, St. Petersburg is sometimes called the “Venice of the North”. Tsar Peter the Great’s dream came true, and a small settlement that arose on the swamps eventually turned into a modern city. Its baroque and neoclassical architecture captivates both Petersburgers and visitors alike. The Hermitage, whose collections contain hundreds of the greatest masterpieces of world art, is perhaps the most famous building in St. Petersburg and part of the city’s historic center, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Fund.
Football
Saint Petersburg has always occupied a central place both in the cultural life of Russia and in the development of sports. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the city was a real center of Russian football. In 1900, nine football clubs were created, in August 1901, the secretary of the “Nevsky Football Club” and workers of the local factory decided to establish the “Petersburg Football League”, which became the first football league in Russia.
Today, St. Petersburg is regaining its leading position in Russian football. Thus, the football club Zenit, founded in 1925 and playing in the Russian Premier League, won the title of Champion of Russia in 2007, and in 2008 continued its victorious march, winning the Russian Super Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in one year.
Stadium
The city government is building a new stadium for FC Zenit, which will meet the most modern requirements and will be designed for 62,000 spectators. The stadium will be located in the western part of Krestovsky Island and will replace the old Kirov Stadium. The new stadium, a project by the famous architect Kisho Kurokawa, will look like a spaceship and will be equipped with the most modern retractable lawn.
