The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, the former main residence of Russian emperors, along with Palace Square, forms a complex that attracts tourists from all over the world. Its halls house the State Hermitage, the largest museum in Russia. This baroque architectural monument is a must-see for anyone visiting the northern capital.

History of the Winter Palace Construction

The first building on the site of the current Winter Palace appeared during Peter I's reign. In 1705, architect Domenico Trezzini erected a wooden house for Admiral Fyodor Apraksin, which was soon rebuilt into a stone two-story palace.

The first prototype of the modern Winter Palace was the "Winter House," a wooden structure gifted to Peter I by Governor Menshikov for his wedding to Catherine Alexeyevna. The emperor's desire to live in a luxurious residence led to the construction of a new palace, the project of which was completed by architect Mattarnovi in 1720. Peter I moved there with his family and died in this palace.

Interesting fact: After the construction was completed, a lot of construction debris remained in front of the palace. The emperor issued a decree allowing citizens to use the leftover stone, and the square was cleared in one day.

The Winter Palace proved insufficient for the court of Empress Anna Ioannovna, leading to a third reconstruction. Architect Rastrelli proposed to buy the neighboring Apraksin house to satisfy the empress's ambitions, who also housed the first court theater of Russia in the building.

Interesting fact: The theater's repertoire was personally approved by Anna Ioannovna, and the decorations were moved by soldiers of the imperial guard.

By 1735, the palace was ready, and the wedding of Anna Leopoldovna and Anton-Ulrich took place there. However, the complex continued to expand, giving it an archaic appearance against the backdrop of other buildings.

Interesting fact: Due to prolonged construction, a colony of rodents formed on the complex's territory. In 1745, by order of Elizabeth Petrovna, Kazan cats were brought to the city to combat the mice, which began the tradition of keeping Hermitage cats.

Elizabeth Petrovna was dissatisfied with the building's height and demanded Rastrelli to increase it. Thus, the modern Winter Palace was born. A temporary Winter Palace was built for the imperial family, which lasted until 1762.

Rastrelli's Final Project

In 1754, Rastrelli began yet another reconstruction of the Winter Palace, which was completed eight years later. Initially, he planned for three years, but politics intervened: Russia's participation in the Seven Years' War and corruption prolonged the process. Catherine the Great, upon ascending the throne, dismissed Rastrelli.

Interesting fact: Thousands of soldiers and peasants from central Russia were forcibly brought in for construction. Harsh conditions led to mass escapes, and Rastrelli had to abandon his initial plan for the arrangement of the Admiralty Meadow.

The works were accepted by Peter III, who moved into the building before the finishing touches were completed. Rastrelli received the rank of major-general and state awards. The palace included 1500 rooms, and the facade was adorned with 176 statues by Boehm.

After Peter III's assassination, Catherine the Great appointed Vallin-Delamot as the chief architect, and Ivan Betskoy oversaw the process. The Winter Palace underwent re-planning, the number of windows was increased, and the Small Hermitage was built. The empress moved in in 1764.

The Winter Palace amazed with the opulence and luxury of its interiors. Catherine was pleased and rewarded the architects.

Architectural Features of the Building

Rastrelli created a unique style, combining European classicism, Italian rococo, and Russian architecture. He studied ancient documents and traveled across Russia. The complex is characterized by symmetrical facades and play of light.

The facade does not have a pronounced side, reflecting French influence. Structural parts alternate, and the corner columns emphasize light and shadow, visually increasing the building's height. The windows of 12 types add grandeur. The decor creates a unified complex.

Interesting fact: In 1844, Nicholas I signed a decree prohibiting the construction of buildings taller than 23.5 meters, so that no structure would exceed the imperial residence.

The palace roof became a place for walks of the imperial family. Catherine II arranged an observatory here, which lasted until 1826. Nicholas II often dined here with his family.

Interesting fact: In 1796, a clock created by Kulibin was installed on the southern pediment. Paul awarded him a state pension, but the clock burned in the fire of 1837.

Sculptures and vases under the cornice give the building a festive appearance. Initially, they were stone, but in the 1890s they were replaced with metal ones. The facades changed color several times. After the fire of 1837, the ensemble of buildings on Palace Square received a unified color scheme.

The central part of the southern facade is pierced by three arches leading to the courtyard. The carved gates with the imperial eagle are often used in films. The pediment is adorned with sculptures of Neptune and Amphitrite, and clocks are installed.

From the Neva side, the palace is connected to the Hermitage buildings, forming a single architectural ensemble with the Alexander Column, symbolizing the strength of Russian arms.

Halls of the Winter Palace

The halls of the Winter Palace are masterpieces of pre-revolutionary architecture. The fire of 1837 destroyed the interiors, which were restored over several years. Only a few brick walls remained.

On the first floor is the Jordan Gallery and the staircase used for receiving foreign guests. The staircase was wooden but was replaced with granite and marble after the fire.

Interesting fact: Stasov persuaded the emperor to use ready-made works of art for decoration. Exhibits from the Summer Garden and Tauride Palace moved to the Winter Palace.

The Neva ceremonial enfilade consists of five anterooms where festive evenings took place. The enfilade was often rebuilt. In 1790, Quarenghi combined three central rooms into the Nikolaevsky Hall.

Interesting fact: During Soviet times, restorations and exhibitions were held in the Nikolaevsky Hall. It is the center of cultural life in St. Petersburg.

The Malachite Room was created as the quarters of Nicholas's wife, Alexandra Fyodorovna. After the fire, the jasper was replaced with malachite. This is the only room made from this mineral.

Interesting fact: Meetings of the Provisional Government took place in the Malachite Room. A memorial plaque was installed in honor of the arrest of its members.

The Small Church has retained its historical appearance. Stasov restored it after the fire, preserving the original design.

The Great Enfilade begins with the Field Marshal's Hall, which houses portraits of Russian field marshals. The Peter Hall immortalizes Peter I, decorated with symbols of power.

Interesting fact: During the 2018 reconstruction, the silver embroidery was cleaned with a laser, and the fabric was replaced with modern material.

The Heraldic Hall glorifies the might of the Russian army. It serves as a transition to the Military Gallery, dedicated to the victory over Napoleon.

Interesting fact: During Soviet years, portraits of the soldiers of the imperial majesty's guard were placed in the gallery.

The Georgievsky Hall, created by Quarenghi, impresses with its antique style. The floor made of 16 types of wood repeats the ornament of the ceiling. In the center is the throne.

Interesting fact: During Soviet times, the throne was dismantled, and a map of the USSR was placed in its place, later restoring historical justice.

The Alexandrovsky Hall immortalizes the name of Emperor Alexander. The architecture combines Gothic, Empire, and Russian architecture.

The Great Church has preserved Rastrelli's original design. Stasov restored it after the fire using ancient drawings.

Interesting fact: The Russian Orthodox Church demands the transfer of the church under their management, but the Hermitage defends its museum status.

The quarters of Empress Maria Alexandrovna took shape later than all. The White Hall is divided into two tiers and is decorated with sculptures.

Interesting fact: Gilded torches saved from the fire are installed in the hall.

The Golden Room is vaulted, decorated with stucco and gilding. The imperial family held balls here.

Exhibitions of the State Hermitage

In 1764, Catherine acquired a collection of paintings, laying the foundation for the Hermitage. It became the largest museum in the world. The word "Hermitage" translates from French as "quiet place."

The exhibitions recreate the apartments of the royal family. The building was used as a residence until 1904. The Hermitage houses unique works of art, jewelry, antique statues, and weapons.

Interesting fact: The blockade of Leningrad caused damage to the palace, and restoration lasted several years.

The Hermitage's exhibitions are among the most visited in the world. It features the largest collection of Rembrandt's paintings outside the Netherlands.

There are two routes available in the Hermitage: one leads to the Jordan staircase, the other through the living quarters of the imperial family.

Important note: Due to the COVID epidemic, tickets are sold only online. Admission costs 300 rubles, with the first Thursday of each month being a free entry day.

Important note: When visiting the museum, bags are checked, bringing drinks and food is prohibited, and entering with high heels is also not allowed.