In Greek mythology, Atlas was doomed by Zeus to carry the weight of the heavens on his shoulders for eternity. This was because he betrayed the gods by leading the Titans into battle with the Olympian gods. This group of Atlases are tasked to hold up the portico of the New Hermitage building entrance. They are done in such precise detail that you can see the veins bulging from their feet in their efforts.
The Palace Square was constructed between 1819-1829. The architect was Italian Carlo Rossi (not the wine guy). On the north side (right below) is the Winter Palace and on the left is the corner of the huge yellow General Staff Building (also designed by Rossi in 1829). The Admiralty building (one of the first built in SP) and garden, and the Royal Guards' General Staff building are located here as well.
Historic events took place in this enormous square. In 1905, the Bloody Sunday Massacre occurred. Unarmed workers protested outside the palace and then hundreds were killed and wounded by imperial forces. The October Revolution of 1917 also took place here, when the last tzar (Nicholas II) was dethroned. Today it is used for peaceful events like festivals, concerts, or generally gatherings.
Historic events took place in this enormous square. In 1905, the Bloody Sunday Massacre occurred. Unarmed workers protested outside the palace and then hundreds were killed and wounded by imperial forces. The October Revolution of 1917 also took place here, when the last tzar (Nicholas II) was dethroned. Today it is used for peaceful events like festivals, concerts, or generally gatherings.
In the center of the square is the Alexander Column, honoring Russia's Victory over Napoleon's France in 1812. Ironically French-born Auguste de Montferrand was the architect. It is 47.4 meters (almost 156 feet) tall and weighs 600 tons. Miraculously no cranes were used to stand it upright. It is topped with an angel that is said to have a face much like that of Alexander I.
Also, you'll find photo opportunities, for a price. You can couple up with folks in period dress, just like in Times Square-NYC. Only there you can have your photo taken with The Naked Guy, Elmo, Sponge Bob Squarepants, Batman, etc.
Also, you'll find photo opportunities, for a price. You can couple up with folks in period dress, just like in Times Square-NYC. Only there you can have your photo taken with The Naked Guy, Elmo, Sponge Bob Squarepants, Batman, etc.
Another photo op. Period horse and carriages. They look really cool in front of the palace. I wonder if you could hire a ride around the square or just for photos? Either way, we did not have the time or inclination.
The General Staff Building is quite impressive, with it size and crescent-shaped neoclassical style. It houses government offices and the more modern collection of the Hermitage Museum. It curves along the southern side of the square. You can see a triumphal arch, similar to those in Western Europe. Here is a small part of it and our lovely, perky tour guide Larissa.
See a cool aerial view of the square here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_Square.
Next we enter the General Staff Building to see the more modern collections of the Hermitage.
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