Part 9/14:
Continuing to Russia, the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg served as the imperial residence for the Romanov dynasty until 1917. Covering about 2.5 million square feet, this baroque masterpiece dominates the Neva River's banks with its striking green and white façade, gilded accents, and grand scale. Inside, ornate halls like the St. George Hall and the Jordan Staircase showcase imperial ambitions with lavish decorations and extensive artwork. The palace witnessed historic moments such as royal coronations and the October Revolution. Today, it forms part of the Hermitage Museum, housing some of the world's greatest art collections, yet its historic living spaces evoke memories of imperial grandeur.