When you step in front of Saint Petersburg's iconic Winter Palace, you are standing before the legendary official residence of Russia's Romanov emperors from 1732 to 1917. Situated between Palace Embankment and Palace Square, this grand green-and-white landmark—designed primarily by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the Elizabethan Baroque style—now houses the famous Hermitage Museum. Built on a monumental scale to reflect imperial power, the rectangular structure boasts a principal façade stretching 215 meters long and 30 meters high.
As you explore, you will be surrounded by staggering architecture featuring 233,345 square meters of floor area, 1,500 rooms, 1,886 doors, 1,945 windows, and 117 staircases. Though severe fire damage in 1837 led to lavish 19th-century interior redesigns inspired by Rococo style, the breathtaking exterior remained unchanged. Beyond its artistic grandeur, the palace serves as a pivotal backdrop to world history, having witnessed critical events like the 1905 Bloody Sunday march and the historic 1917 storming of the palace by Red Guard soldiers during the October Revolution.
A visit lets you walk through the very halls where tsars once ruled over millions of subjects across vast territories.
What to see at Winter Palace
- Striking green-and-white Elizabethan Baroque exterior designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli
- Monumental scale featuring 1,500 rooms, 117 staircases, and nearly 2,000 windows
- Prime location situated directly between Palace Embankment and Palace Square
- Rich history as the Romanov imperial residence now housing the Hermitage Museum
- Historic setting of the 1917 storming of the palace during the October Revolution
Visiting tips
To appreciate the palace's immense architectural scale, take time to view its 215-meter principal façade from Palace Square before exploring the interior.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Winter Palace is easy to reach on Saint Petersburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hermitage Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Saint Petersburg travel guide.
See the full Saint Petersburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.