St. Petersburg was formerly known as Petrograd during World War I and later rebranded as Leningrad during the rule of the Soviet Union. The name St. Petersburg was restored in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This city plays a significant cultural and historical role in Russia and was established by Emperor Peter the Great in 1703. It is often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its many waterways and bridges, making it an attractive destination for tourists and locals alike.