Architectural ensemble of Palace Square
This is the main square of Saint Petersburg. The green and white building decorated with many statues is the Winter Palace that is why the square got its name.The Winter Palace is the former residence of the Russian tsars now houses part of the Hermitage museum. It was created by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1754-1762.
Alexander Column
Alexander Column stands in the centre. It is the tallest monolithic column in the world. Its height is 47 m, its weight is 600 tones. It was designed by A. Montferrand. The column got its name after Emperor Alexander I, who reigned during the war against Napoleon. The Column was unveiled later in 1834 to the order of Nicolas I, Alexander’s brother. The Column is not fastened to the pedestal. It stands by its own weight. The angel symbolises peace in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon. They say that the face of the angel resembles the face of Alexander I.
The General staff building
The semi-circular facade of the General Stuff and Ministries Building forms the southern facade of Palace Square. The General Stuff Building is a genius creation of architect Carlo Rossi (1819-1829). This yellow building has one of the longest facades in Europe.
The monotony of the building is broken by the Triumphal Arch surmounted with a Chariot of Glory with the winged goddess of victory Nika. The idea was to commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon. In the middle of the 19th century the Headquarters of the Royal Guards was built (1848 Brullov), it closes the square from the eastern side and actually completes the ensemble of the square.
Historical events on Palace square
This square witnessed many historical events, which were important for the country.
The Russian Revolution took place here in 1905. And it was then when the degree on the first Russian Parliament was signed. It was called “State Duma” (1906). Then in 1917 in February, the 2nd Russian revolution took place. And the result of it was that Nicolas II was to abdicate legislative power, and then it belonged to the Provisional government. In October 1917, the Winter Palace was taken by storm of the revolutionaries. This was the beginning of the soviet period of the country, which lasted for 70 years.
