Palace Square in Saint Petersburg

Palace Square is the central square of St. Petersburg. It is bordered on one side by the Hermitage, on the other - the huge semicircle of the General Staff building. Italian architect Rossi was the author of this architectural complex.

The building is decorated with the double triumphal arch with the chariot of glory guided by the winged goddess of Victory. The middle of the square is marked by the Alexander Column. This majestic monument was erected in commemoration of the victory of Russia over Napoleon`s troops. The monument was named so after the Emperor Alexander I. People started to call it «Alexander Column» or «Alexander Pillar». The top of the column is the figure of an angel trampling a snake with a cross.