The myths and legends of Saint Petersburg come to life in this spectacular book that recounts the story of the city's first century in existence, from Peter I's decision to build a port on the inhospitable shores of the Neva in 1703 to the death of Catherine II in 1796. Featuring over one hundred and sixty objects and works of art — religious art, paintings, tapestries, porcelain, furniture, ceremonial regalia, jewelry and costumes, tableware, as well as sculpture, sketches, plans and models of the city, and more — from the prestigious collections in the Hermitage Museum and the Saint Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts. The book offers a fascinating panorama retracing the imperial splendour of a city that is a legend and focuses on four major themes of Imperial Russia: Holy Mother Russia and the religious context into which Peter I was born. Peter the Great, man of science, who introduced into Russia a large number of scientific instruments featured in the volume. Saint Petersburg: having founded a town that was to be just a port, Peter transformed it into his capital, regulating its construction and planning. Plans, models, sketches, drawings, engravings and paintings tell the story of this masterly creation. Catherine II, woman of the Enlightenment came to the throne in 1762. Paintings, engravings and watercolours in luminescent shades illustrate the final transformations of Saint Petersburg during her reign, the splendour of life at court, and her extraordinary collection.