The interior of the Great Church of the Winter Palace was created by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the Baroque style in 1753–1762. In restoring it after the 1837 fire, Vasily Stasov strove to recreate its original appearance. The central part of the church is crowned by a dome and accentuated by piers with pairs of fluted Corinthian columns. The walls are decorated with pilasters that alternate with the arched windows. An elaborate cornice separates the lower tier from the upper row of windows. The main role in the decoration of the church is played by gilded ornament and painting (the ceiling painting 'Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ' by Piotr Basin and depictions of the four Evangelists by Fiodor Bruni)
