Palace Square

Palace Square in Saint Petersburg is the principal ceremonial square in front of the Winter Palace, forming the historical and architectural core of the city. It is the site of the Alexander Column and is bounded by major neoclassical government buildings.

The square’s dominant features include the 47.5 metre-tall Alexander Column, the façade of the Winter Palace (now part of the State Hermitage Museum) and the curved General Staff Building with its triumphal arch. It functions as an open public space for state receptions, national holidays and outdoor events.

The area developed in the 18th and 19th centuries as imperial Russia’s main ceremonial axis; the Winter Palace served as the Tsar’s residence and government offices occupied surrounding buildings. The square is also known for key events in modern Russian history including the 1905 procession known as Bloody Sunday and the 1917 uprisings.

Palace Square sits on the south bank of the Neva River in central Saint Petersburg, immediately adjacent to the Hermitage complex and within the city’s historic centre.

• Best viewpoints: The best viewpoints for photography are from the Neva embankment to the north and from the steps of the Hermitage for a full view of the square and column.

What to See #

• Alexander Column: A single monolithic red granite monument standing 47.5 metres tall at the centre of the square, erected to commemorate Emperor Alexander I of Russia.
• Winter Palace (Hermitage): The former imperial residence now housing a large part of the State Hermitage Museum, with its painted green-and-white facade facing the square.
• General Staff Building: A curved neoclassical office and ceremonial building that frames the eastern side of the square and features a triumphal arch linking two wings.