Palace Square

Palace square has been witness to some of the more important events in Russian history. In days gone by the area witnessed revolution, czarist parades, parades of the Imperial Guards and much more. In the area you will find the General Staff building and the famous Winter Palace. This area witnessed the dramatic events culminating with the Russian Revolution.

During the brief uprising in 1905 the Imperial Guards opened fire on peaceful demonstrations killing hundreds of innocent people. The demonstrations were formed to demand that Nicholas II improve the conditions of the Russian people. In the aftermath of the killings the image of Czar Nicholas II was weakened considerably.

In Soviet history the Palace Square plays a prominent role. It was here during the Bolshevid Revolution (October 25, 1917) that Trotsky's Red Guards captured the Winter Palace.

The Alexander Column

Prominently situated in the Palace Square is the Alexander Column. This column was completed in 1834 by a French born architect by the name of Auguste de Montferrand. An inscription on the monument says the following: "To Alexander I From A Grateful Russia". The column rises over 150 ft and is easily the largest column in the world.

General Staff Building

In the Southern part of the Palace Square lies the General Staff building. The building is an impressive piece of architecture. The plans and construction were overseen by Karl Rossi (1775-1849) who was/is considered one of St. Petersburg's greatest architects. In addition the the General Staff building, Rossi also designed the Alexandrian Theater, St. Michael's Palace, the Ministry of the Interior and the southern section of the Public Library.

On the General Staff building over the arch stands a statue of Nike (Goddess of Victory) riding a massive chariot being drawn by a team of six magnificent stallions. To say that the General Staff building and the surrounding building are a architectural treasure would be an understatement.

Winter Palace

The Winter Palace was one the winter residence of the powerful Russian Czars. Used since the early 1760's, this impressive structure was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The palace is designed in classic Baroque style. Situated on the banks of the Neva River, the Winter Palace is considered by many as St Petersburg's most impressive attraction. The interior has seen many renovations to fit the whims of the Czars who called the palace home. The palace contains over 1,000 rooms, many of which are open to the public. The palace was severely damaged by fire in 1837 by completely rebuilt by Easter 1839.

The Winter Palace is also home the the State Hermitage Museum. The Hermitage is one of the 4 best art museums in Europe. The other ones are the Louvre, the Vatican Museums, and the El Prado.

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