He built the city so Russia could have access to open water fortrade and shipping. It was a swampy muddy place and he used 25000serfs to literally build a city. He had been to all the Europeancapitals and wanted a city that looked European. Today, it is anCity of 41 islands with canals and bridges and all the buildingsare colorful and painted with pinks, blues, and yellows. It isstill the navy headquarters and school. Located in the city todayis the Hermitage museum that was once the palace of Katherine theGreat where there are rooms filled with art. The palace of Peterthe Great is outside the city and can be reached by hydrofoilboats. It has expansive gardens and water features that still worktoday by using water pressure. Only one of the early structuresexists today that Peter used and the others have rotted awaybecause they were made of wood. Visitors are not allowed close tothis original building. I was in St. Petersburg in 2008.