The Hermitage Museum / Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian Tsars, was a must-see. The palace was a Russian architecture masterpiece and each room contained unparalleled opulence. The structure contained 1,786 doors, 1,945 windows, 1,057 lavish rooms and halls, and was built in a quadrangle with columns and golden stucco moldings. It was green and white. The roof was lined with 176 sculpted figures. Catherine the Great purchased 255 paintings from Berlin in 1764, which started the collection of exhibits at the museum.
The Winter Palace became a museum after Nicholas II was overthrown during the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Hermitage Museum houses the largest art gallery in Russia and is among the largest and most respected art museums in the world. Over 2.7 million exhibits and artifacts from all over the world are contained with the walls of the extravagant Hermitage Museum. The collection of artwork included works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, and many others. Their website boasted that experts proclaim that it would take a person 11 years to get through the entire museum if they were to spend one minute admiring each exhibit on display within the museum.
The Winter Palace was large and opulent from the outside. The true marvel was once we entered inside the doors. Each room was more elegant and lavish than the one before it. The Hermitage Museum didn’t open until 10:30 am (but was open until 9 pm). We arrived right at 10 am to get tickets. It was fortunate we arrived early because the line to buy tickets got very long very quickly.
Once we had our tickets (which we couldn’t purchase from the ticketing machine until 10:30 am on the dot, but we were first in line at one of the machines!!!), we walked into the Hermitage Museum and perused the many beautiful rooms at the Hermitage Museum. The artifacts, exhibits, and artwork were incredible. The real treat (for me, at least) was the elegant and lavish architecture of each room in the building. Each room was more impressive than the one before it. Each room was so different from the one before it. Every room was jaw dropping with the height, intricate detail, and exquisite design. It was a true masterpiece.
The first 45 minutes were incredible because it was still empty. By 11:30 am, it was overcrowded and became difficult to appreciate due to the mass of people congregating in each room. It became difficult to maneuver in and out of rooms because the rooms were packed with too many bodies shuffling through. We couldn't walk through a room without touching shoulders with other visitors on...
Read moreThe Winter Palace, located in St. Petersburg, Russia, is one of the most famous and historically significant buildings in the country. Here are some key details about the Winter Palace:
Overview
Historical Significance: The Winter Palace served as the official residence of the Russian monarchs from 1732 until the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in 1917. It played a crucial role in Russian history, including significant events such as the October Revolution.
Architecture: The palace was designed primarily by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the Rococo style, characterized by its ornate decorations and lavish interiors. The structure has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the most notable modifications taking place in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Exterior: The Winter Palace is renowned for its striking green and white façade, extensive use of gilded decorations, and grand scale. The central section of the palace is adorned with columns and sculptures, giving it a majestic appearance.
Interior: The interior of the Winter Palace is equally impressive, featuring opulent rooms, lavish furnishings, and intricate artwork. Notable areas include the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, and the Jordan Staircase. The palace is home to a vast collection of art and historical artifacts.
Hermitage Museum: Since the early 20th century, the Winter Palace has been part of the State Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. The museum houses an extensive collection of art, including works by masters such as Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo, as well as a vast array of decorative arts and historical artifacts.
Cultural Heritage: The Winter Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered a symbol of Russian imperial history and culture. It attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to explore its grand architecture and world-renowned art collections.
Visiting the Winter Palace
Visitors to St. Petersburg can tour the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum, experiencing the grandeur of imperial Russia. The museum's collections span various periods and cultures, making it a significant destination for art lovers and historians alike.
Overall, the Winter Palace is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a vital part of Russia's cultural and...
Read moreAn absolutely stunning Palace from the moment you walk in to the all the rooms you explore . This is something else the gold and share beauty of each room blows you away and leaves you speechless.
What a grand place it was for the royals to be in and a magnificent opportunity for me to be able to visit and enjoy this glamorous Palace.
We had a tour at 10am and was able to explore the whole Palace in 2 hours which was thought was enough time . With photos and videos of each room if necessary, I really enjoyed how there was so much group here but everyone was organised. They waited in a line behind you until you moved to the next room then they enter the room you left behind very well organised no chaos.
And the gardens was very pretty with all the flowers and great views for taking photos at the top .
We had a man playing a flute in the gardens which was a treat to experience as we was coming to the end of the gardens.
A video was created of this music and the golden building at the top it was a wonderful moment shared .
A final thought to say we was very excited to be able to get photos in all the rooms before My partner said it was not possible in the Amber room. This was My wish could true to visit the Amber room it was something out of this world I ask how much it was worth and and speechless.
Also the pure gold in all the room I have never witnessed a english or somewhere else in Europe like this .I found this magnificent and should a privilege to experience this type of Palace full...
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