Winter Palace and Alexander Column at Palace Square, St. Petersburg, Russia
The Winter Palace, former imperial residence and now home to the State Hermitage Museum, dominates Palace Square in St. Petersburg, Russia. The 28.4-meter Alexander Column stands prominently in the foreground of the expansive cobblestone plaza.
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Imperial Architecture
The mint-green and white Winter Palace stretches across Palace Square, its baroque facade adorned with golden statues and ornate window frames. Built between 1754 and 1762, this architectural masterpiece served as the official residence of the Russian tsars.
Historic Monument
The Alexander Column, erected in 1834, commemorates Russia's victory over Napoleon's army. The granite monolith stands unsupported by any foundation, held in place solely by its own weight of 600 tons.
Living Heritage
Today, Palace Square remains the heart of St. Petersburg, where tourists and locals traverse the patterned cobblestones beneath the watchful gaze of imperial grandeur and the Russian flag flying atop the Hermitage.
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