St. Petersburg was founded in May of 1703, at the place where the river Neva flows into the Baltic Sea, during the Northern War. Outlet to the Baltic Sea meant great advantages for trade and economical progress of Russia. However, during the first years of construction Sweden troops often threatened to a new city, so then they had to build not palaces but strong fortresses.
The Admiralty was laid down in the autumn of 1704, as the primary place to build the ships of the future Baltic Fleet. Originally, the Admiralty was a stern fortress, but already by the 1730th it was rebuilt and acquired its today appearance.
The Admiralty spire is one of the main landmarks of the city. The Old Petersburg has such a layout that its three main streets (Nevsky Avenue, Voznesensky Avenue and Gorokhovaya St.) are converged at the Admiralty with its spire being a focal point seen from a long distance along these streets.
The building façade is 407 meters long, and the spire of the Admiralty reach the height of some 72 m. It was the second highest building in Petersburg after Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, which was 122 meters high. Eventually, the ship crowning the spire of the Admiralty was acknowledged as one of the symbols of St. Petersburg.
Opposite the Admiralty, in-between the Palace Square and the Senate Square, there was created a very beautiful Alexander Garden, where it will be pleasant to have a rest, when you get tired of touring the city. And on the side of the river Neva you can have a promenade on the most beautiful Admiralty Embankment.
