Cities That Were Completely Relocated for Mind-Blowing Reasons

3. The Strategic Move of St. Petersburg

Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg was strategically relocated from Moscow to serve as Russia’s "window to the West." This move was not a physical relocation of infrastructure but a strategic shift in the nation’s capital. By establishing a new city on the Baltic Sea, Peter aimed to modernize Russia and strengthen its naval capabilities. St. Petersburg’s relocation underscores the power of strategic urban planning in shaping national identity and geopolitical influence. The city’s European architectural style and cultural vibrancy continue to reflect Peter’s vision of a modernized Russia.