Petrozavodsk, city and capital of Karelia, northwestern Russia, situated on the western shore of Lake Onega, south of the Shuya River outflow. The city was founded in 1703 by Peter I (the Great) as an ironworks to supply ordnance to his new capital of St. Petersburg. Its modern industries include engineering and timber working. The many scientific and educational establishments include a university, a teacher-training institute, and a branch of the Academy of Sciences. Pop. (2006 est.) 265,072.