Torch relay route in St. Petersburg

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-05-2008 12:56

Today's relay will cover all of St. Petersberg's major landmarks. Here's a closer look at some of the historical sites the torch will pass.

Located on the bank of the Neva River, the Palace  Square is perhaps the city's most impressive  attraction.  (CCTV.com)

Located on the Neva River at the east end of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic sea, Saint Petersburg is widely seen as Russia's "Northern Capital".

It is the country's second largest city and Europe's fourth largest city after Moscow, London and Paris.

Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in the early 18th century, it was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than two hundred years.

Saturday's relay will start at Victory Square. The square was built in 1975 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the end of the World War Two. It commemorates the victims and survivors of the Siege of Leningrad in 1941 and symbolizes the patriotic spirit of local people.

The Cruiser Aurora, which now has been turned into a museum, is another historic sites that the route will cover.

The ship was built in 1897. It took an active part in the Russo-Japanese War in the early 20th century.

After the war, the ship was used for personnel training. During the October Revolution of 1917, it gave the signal to start the revolution by firing a blank shot to the Winter Palace, which was being used as a residence by the Provisional Government.

Located on the bank of the Neva River, the Palace Square is perhaps the city's most impressive attraction.

It is an excellent example of how different architectural styles can be combined in an elaborate and aesthetically pleasing way.

In the middle of the square, the Alexander Column creates an important focal point for the great architectural ensemble.

The column commemorates Russia's victory over Napoleon in 1892. Saturday's relay is scheduled to end in front of the Hermitage Museum at the square.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei