Palace Square

Palace Square is St. Petersburg's largest public square. Quite like Moscow's Red Square, it is adorned with a collection of hugely important structures and events.

Palace Square is St. Petersburg's favourite public space. It is home to some of St. Petersburg's most popular tourist attractions. The Winter Palace was actually the first building on the square, completed in 1862 and since then served as the residence of the Tsars. Opposite the Winter Palace is the General Staff Building. This quite imposing building is built in a semi-circular shape, and is divided into two sections. A large section of both of these buildings today is home to the Hermitage Museum's collections. At the centre of the square is Alexander's Column. This 47 metre tall granite tower is set so firmly into it's foundation that there is no base. The Square is also the most popular space in St. Petersburg for national events and also concerts and festivals. St. Petersburg's Memorial Day Parade takes place in the square, and it has also hosted concerts of international artists such as AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and more recently Shakira, Madonna and Sting.