Palace Square in St. Petersburg is the central square of the city. It is home to the Winter Palace, the former main residence of Russian emperors and a symbol of the Russian Empire. For St. Petersburg, Palace Square holds the same significance as Red Square does for Moscow.

The boundaries of the square are defined by the Winter Palace, opposite which stands the General Staff Building with the Triumphal Arch. To the east is the building of the Guard Corps Headquarters, while to the west there is a view of the Alexander Garden and the Admiralty. The square is bordered by Palace Passage, which connects Nevsky Prospect and the Palace Bridge across the Neva River.

The architectural ensemble of the square was formed gradually. The modern Winter Palace is the fifth building, constructed in 1762. The General Staff Building was erected in 1829, the Alexander Column in 1834, and the Guard Corps Headquarters was completed in 1840.

Initially, from 1736, the square was called Admiralty Meadow due to the proximity of the shipyard of the same name. In 1766, it received its modern name in honor of the Winter Palace. In October 1918, the Bolsheviks renamed it "Uritsky Square," but on January 13, 1944, it was restored to its historical name.

The history of the square is linked to the establishment of the Admiralty fortress-shipyard in 1704. Soon after, the Admiralty lost its military function, and the area began to be used for storing materials and holding celebrations. In 1721, Peter I laid out the city planning scheme, and the rays of three highways divided Admiralty Meadow into parts.

In 1753, Francesco Rastrelli proposed creating a central square for the capital. In 1763, a competition for the city’s master plan was announced, which was won by Alexei Kvasov. In 1766, the famous Petersburg Carousel took place in the square.

Construction of the square began with the Winter Palace. In 1778, the Empress ordered the transformation of the square, and in 1779, the Academy of Arts announced a competition for its development. In 1816, architect A. Modyui developed a redesign project, giving the square its modern outlines.

From 1830 to 1834, the Alexander Column was erected in the center of the square. From 1837 to 1843, the building of the Guard Corps Headquarters was constructed on the eastern side. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the square was used for military parades and reviews.

During the Soviet era, the square became a site for demonstrations and parades. In 1918, it was renamed "Uritsky Square," and in 1944, it regained its historical name. In 1977, the square underwent reconstruction, replacing asphalt with cobblestones.

In 2001, archaeological research was conducted in the square. In 2006, the Alexander Column was restored. In 2005, a bill was proposed regarding the use of the square, but it was not adopted.

The Alexander Column, erected in 1834, is dedicated to the victory of Alexander I over Napoleon. The Winter Palace, built from 1754 to 1762, served as the residence of emperors until 1917. The Guard Corps Headquarters, built from 1837 to 1843, is currently used by the military. The General Staff Building, constructed from 1810 to 1829, has been partially transferred to the Hermitage.