4: The Great Courtyard of the Winter Palace

The façades of the Winter Palace (Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, 1754-62) facing the courtyard are decorated with all the grandeur characteristic of the Baroque: columns with luxurious Corinthian capitals, window surrounds of various patterns, bright-coloured painting of the walls. Three entrance arches pierce the southern façade of the building. The front entrance situated opposite the entrance gate is equipped with a sloping passage for carriages. The garden with a fountain and sculptures was designed by Nikolai Gornostayev in the late 19th century. The main part of the garden is planted with decorative trees: oaks, chestnut-trees, Dutch limes, maples and white ash-trees. At the same time the new gate "in the style of Rastrelli made of hammered iron with relief decor and the double-headed eagle" was installed. The Great Courtyard turned into a garden was used for strolls and as a play-ground of Nicholas II's children.