Palace Square (in the years 1918-1944 - Uritsky Square) is the main square of Saint-Petersburg and a single architectural complex, resulting in the II half of the XVIII - I half XIX centuries. Forms the northern boundary of the facade of the Winter Palace, the southern border is a semicircular shape, which is formed by the General Staff building, two 3-hetazhnyh body which combined the triumphal arch, which is topped with a victory chariot. On the eastern side of the square is flanked headquarters building Guards Corps. In the center of the square is the Alexander Column.

Dimensions Palace Square are approximately 5 hectares (according to other information - 8 ha). For comparison - Moscow Red Square has an area of ​​2, 3 hectares. Among the historic buildings downtown area is part of the World Heritage List.

St. Petersburg's Palace Square - the heart of the northern capital. She is loved by residents and visitors alike. This is one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in the world, created by the best Russian architects. His name area gained the title of the Winter Palace, which was built in the middle of the XVIII century, the idea of ​​the architect FB Rastrelli.

In 1819, by decree of Emperor Alexander I, the architect KI Rossi was drafted architectural complex, ascended the victory of Russian arms in the Patriotic War of 1812. The idea of ​​the architect was to combine new construction and existing original interiors together.

In the southern part of the square was erected a semicircular elongated facade of the General Staff. Its length is 580 m, it is noteworthy that this is the longest facade in the world. In the middle of the Main Staff was established grand arch with images of flying geniuses of Glory and decorated with sculptural ensemble including a Chariot of Glory to warriors and chariots Nike - the winged goddess of victory. The sculptor made by N. Pimenov and VI Demuth-Malinovsky. The height of the arch is 28 m, width - 17 m. The height of the sculpture is 10 m.

In 1834, architect Auguste Montferrand designed the Alexander Column in memory of the victory of the Russian army over the French. In the same year it was opened. The column is named in honor of Emperor Alexander I. It weighs 600 tons, height - 47, 5 m. Topped with the figure of an angel, who tramples the cross snake. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Angel cocked his head to the ground so that the bottom can be seen on his face. Architect - Boris Orlovsky. On the pedestal there are bas-reliefs of the column, glorifying the victory of Russian arms. Sculptors - I. Lipce and P. lead.

The unifying element of all the buildings was ending in 1843, building on the east side of the building Guards Corps Headquarters. The architect made AP Bryullov. The facade is decorated with a portico of 20 Ionic columns.

The most beautiful building of Palace Square is the Winter Palace, which is a big building with an area of ​​9 hectares. It has about 1,500 rooms. At that time it was the highest building in St. Petersburg, and above it in the center of the city was forbidden to build any home.

Light green and white colors of the facade of the Winter Palace give it a grace and lightness inherent in baroque style. Ingenious architect Rossi managed to combine in a single harmonious composition of the Winter Palace and the General Staff building serious.

Palace Square is one of the most attractive places in the city of St. Petersburg. But there is an opinion that shows and mass celebrations harm priceless architectural monuments. Suffice it to recall the fire in 2000 during a meeting of the New Year, when the scaffolding above the arch lit up by fireworks. Consequently, the debate about banning concerts and festivals on it. But, despite this, for tourists and locals Palace Square will always be available for walking and sightseeing.