A turquoise facade, white columns, golden moldings—1,500 rooms, 117 staircases, 1,786 doors. The Winter Palace is the residence of Russian emperors, now the main building of the Hermitage. This isn't just architecture—it's imperial power visualized in stone and gilt.

History

Five Winters

This is the fifth Winter Palace. The first four couldn't satisfy the empire's growing ambitions. Empress Elizabeth ordered Rastrelli to build a palace "to surpass Versailles." Construction lasted from 1754 to 1762, but Elizabeth died without seeing its completion.

Rastrelli

Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli was the architect of Russian Baroque. The Winter Palace is his masterpiece: originally 1,057 rooms (later combined to 1,500), four facades—each with its own character. The turquoise wall color (which has changed throughout history) became its signature.

After Rastrelli

Catherine II and subsequent emperors redesigned the interiors: Baroque gave way to Classicism, Rococo to Eclecticism. The fire of 1837 destroyed almost everything—it was restored in 15 months, partially preserving Baroque interiors, partially creating new ones.

Revolution

The night of October 25-26, 1917—the storming of the Winter Palace, arrest of the Provisional Government. Scenes from Eisenstein's film (shot for the revolution's 10th anniversary) became "history"—the actual storming was more modest. Since 1922, the palace has been part of the museum.

What to See

State Rooms

The Jordan Staircase—Baroque splendor through which ambassadors ascended to the emperor. St. George's Hall (Large Throne Room)—white marble and gilt, site of official ceremonies. The Armorial Hall, Military Gallery of 1812, Nicholas Hall—each with its own history.

Private Quarters

The last emperors' chambers—less formal but interesting: how the Romanovs lived. Offices, bedrooms, nurseries—daily life behind the facade of power.

Views

From the windows—Palace Square, the Neva, Peter and Paul Fortress. The palace was designed to command the landscape: the city as backdrop for the emperor.

Practical Information

Tickets

The Winter Palace is part of the Hermitage. An entry ticket (around 500-700 rubles) provides access to the entire complex. The first Thursday of each month is free.

Hours

Tuesday-Sunday: 11:00-18:00 (Wednesday, Friday until 21:00). Monday closed.

Getting There

Admiralteyskaya metro—5 minutes. Enter from Palace Square or from the embankment.

Tip

The Winter Palace is just part of the Hermitage. If you're interested in interiors (not paintings), you can focus on the state rooms and complete the route in 2-3 hours.

What's Nearby

Palace Square—in front of the palace. The Hermitage—you're already inside. The Admiralty—5 minutes away.

Atmosphere

The Winter Palace is a declaration of might. Every detail—from size to color—says: power lives here. Today tourists walk these halls, but the scale overwhelms just as it did ambassadors and petitioners. Rastrelli created not a home—but an impression machine that has worked for three centuries.