Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Winter Palace/Hermitage

Today I'm back with photos of the Winter Palace, now part of the Hermitage.


From 1732 to 1917 it was the official residence of the Russian Tsars.


Signs of opulence are everywhere and were meant to convey the might and power of  Imperial Russia.


Gold leaf adorns doors, walls and ceilings.


Ceilings contain intricate detail.


As do inlaid wood floors.


Huge malachite urns.


Marble inlaid floors with amazing details.


Gorgeous Venetian glass chandeliers.


Beautiful and stunning columns creating fabulous arches.


A gold leaf chandelier.

Such detailed ceilings.


Truly phenomenal.


Another elaborate door.


A lapis urn.


And more beautiful ceiling details leading to  a skylight.


And a detailed,gold leafed urn.


Part of the exterior of the palace, note the statues running along the roofline.


And although we were allowed entry earlier than the general public, by the time we left it was packed.


Here's a couple of photos showing the number of people there.


It was truly an amazing place and words just do not do it justice. For history on the palace click here.



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