I wish you success and as many as possible interesting and pleasant meetings during your time in Russia. The beginning of a great city The beginning of a great city Each person loves the city in which he lives. This is only natural. And yet the citizens of St Petersburg love their city in a special way. St Petersburg is indeed part of the fate of each and every one of us.
Children throw coins into the city s fountains for happiness .
Old people come to the cathedral in the Peter and Paul Fortress in order to touch the gravestone of Emperor Paul who, so they say, helps simple folk in times of hardship. We have a great love for our city and hope that you will come to share our feeling. Today we start a series of articles on St Petersburg. In May 2003 St Petersburg will celebrate its 300th anniversary. 1998 marked the passing of 300 years since the Great Embassy of Peter the Great - the legendary journey made by the young Peter I through Europe.