5: The Main Staircase. The Upper Landing

The main staircase, possibly designed by Jean-Baptiste LeBlond, has retained in general the appearance dating from the first third of the 18th century. The walls, embellished with arches resting on pilasters and windows, produce the impression of a Renaissance courtyard. The entrance to the upper landing is adorned by a triple triumphal arch. The capitals of its columns are made of solid pieces of stone. Visually the upper landing is included in the courtyard composition due to the illusory arcade decorating the walls (the painting was recreated in 1980-81 following surviving fragments). The stone floor of the upper landing is a detail of original design. Other unique original pieces in the interior are the two wrought-iron grilles in the balustrade incorporating the interlaced monograms of Peter I and Alexander Menshikov. The landing occupies the central part of the first floor and links all the state rooms of the palace. The door leading to the Grand Hall is adorned by a pair of marble sculptures of boys symbolizing Asia and Africa (B. Eggers, 1689).