5: Palace Square

Palace Square was designed by Carlo Rossi, an outstanding architect of Russian Classicism, in 1819. The magnificent General Staff building, which was constructed in 1820-27 to the design of Carlo Rossi opposite the Winter Palace, the creation of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli (1754-62), completed the ensemble of the square. The two wings of the General Staff are linked by the Triumphal Arch which is crowned with the Chariot of Glory. The Alexander Column, designed by Auguste Montferrand, was erected in 1834 in the centre of the square to commemorate Russia's victory in the War of 1812 against Napoleon. The ensemble of Palace Square combines two contrasting architectural styles, Baroque and Classicism.