St Petersburg, celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, has been getting much attention. The third and final part of this series looks at how the magnificent art collections of the Hermitage grew up and how they were threatened in the 20th century by war and revolution. During the Germans’ 900-day blockade of Leningrad, the treasures of the museum were shipped to Siberia, but the staff carried on with research work, and cultural life continued in the city, which became a symbol of resistance.

The programme ends by assessing how the collapse of communism has affected St Petersburg - apart from the change of name - and how the Hermitage is coping with the new regime. A good film to watch as preparation for a visit to the city.