- 1. St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, served as the capital of Russia for over 200 years, symbolizing a new era of modernization and westernization for the Russian Empire. This vibrant city, situated on the Neva River and characterized by its stunning baroque and neoclassical architecture, was envisioned by Peter as a 'window to Europe' and played a pivotal role in the cultural and political transformation of Russia. The decision to establish St. Petersburg as the capital was not merely geographical; it was a bold statement of intent to align Russia more closely with European powers. The city's design incorporated wide avenues and grand palaces, reflecting the aspirations of its imperial founders. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, St. Petersburg flourished as a center of art, literature, and education, attracting luminaries such as Dostoevsky, Tchaikovsky, and Nabokov. The Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum, and the Church of the Savior on Blood are just a few examples of its architectural splendor. However, the status of St. Petersburg as the capital also came with challenges, including its harsh climate and the complexities of navigating a city built on a series of islands. Ultimately, in 1918, following the Russian Revolution, the capital was moved to Moscow, yet St. Petersburg remains a city steeped in history, known for its cultural heritage and architectural beauty, continuing to reflect the imperial ambitions of its past.
When was St. Petersburg declared the capital of Russia?
A) 1905
B) 1712
C) 1800
D) 1600
- 2. Who was the Russian emperor who moved the capital to St. Petersburg?
A) Nicholas II
B) Catherine the Great
C) Ivan the Terrible
D) Peter the Great
- 3. Which famous Russian author wrote a novel that is partly set in St. Petersburg?
A) Leo Tolstoy
B) Alexander Pushkin
C) Anton Chekhov
D) Fyodor Dostoevsky
- 4. Which iconic cathedral in St. Petersburg is known for its colorful onion domes?
A) Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
B) Kazan Cathedral
C) Peter and Paul Cathedral
D) St. Isaac's Cathedral
- 5. What is the name of the famous palace located just outside St. Petersburg?
A) Peterhof Palace
B) Pavlovsk Palace
C) Winter Palace
D) Catherine Palace
- 6. Which famous museum in St. Petersburg is housed in the Winter Palace?
A) Erarta Museum
B) Hermitage Museum
C) Russian Museum
D) Faberge Museum
- 7. What is the name of the large park complex in St. Petersburg known for its beautiful gardens and fountains?
A) Mikhailovsky Garden
B) Peterhof
C) Summer Garden
D) Tauride Garden
- 8. In what year did St. Petersburg undergo a name change to Petrograd?
A) 1917
B) 1914
C) 1920
D) 1905
- 9. Which river flows through the center of St. Petersburg before reaching the Gulf of Finland?
A) Don River
B) Neva River
C) Volga River
D) Ob River
- 10. What is the name of the large fortress built on an island in the Neva River in St. Petersburg?
A) Kronstadt Fortress
B) Peter and Paul Fortress
C) Oreshek Fortress
D) Vyborg Castle
- 11. In which architectural style was St. Petersburg primarily built?
A) Renaissance
B) Gothic
C) Neoclassical
D) Baroque
- 12. What important event in World War II besieged Leningrad (St. Petersburg) for over 870 days?
A) Operation Barbarossa
B) Siege of Leningrad
C) Battle of Stalingrad
D) Battle of Moscow
- 13. Which famous Russian ballet company is based in St. Petersburg?
A) Kirov Ballet
B) Russian National Ballet
C) Mariinsky Ballet
D) Bolshoi Ballet
- 14. What is the name of the major sports venue in St. Petersburg known for hosting football matches and concerts?
A) Krestovsky Stadium
B) Yubileiny Sports Palace
C) Luzhniki Stadium
D) Gazprom Arena
- 15. Which famous St. Petersburg landmark is adorned with a massive equestrian statue of Peter the Great?
A) Alexander Column
B) Aurora Cruiser
C) Bronze Horseman
D) Rostral Columns
- 16. In 1905, what was the city's name changed to from St. Petersburg in order to erase the Germanic-sounding original name?
A) Petrograd
B) Volgograd
C) Leningrad
D) Stalingrad
- 17. What is the official Russian name for St. Petersburg?
A) Kazan
B) Moscow
C) Sankt-Peterburg
D) Volgograd
- 18. In which century did St. Petersburg become the de facto capital of Russia?
A) 20th century
B) 18th century
C) 17th century
D) 19th century
- 19. Which of the following is a famous avenue in St. Petersburg?
A) Red Square
B) Lenin Avenue
C) Gorky Street
D) Nevsky Prospekt
- 20. What is the State Hermitage Museum located in St. Petersburg famous for?
A) Numismatic exhibits
B) Military history artifacts
C) Archaeological finds
D) Art collection
- 21. Which important historical event occurred in St. Petersburg on January 22, 1905?
A) Bloody Sunday
B) Russo-Japanese War
C) Decembrist Revolt
D) October Revolution
- 22. During which war did St. Petersburg come under siege for over 800 days?
A) World War II
B) Crimean War
C) Napoleonic Wars
D) The Great Northern War
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