Palace Square, Central square in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Palace Square stretches between two large building complexes in the historic city center and forms a wide open space with paved flooring. A single red granite column stands in the middle and reaches a height of roughly 48 meters (157 feet).
The square developed in the 18th century in front of the imperial winter residence and took its current form in the 1820s with the construction of the staff building. In 1917 revolutionary groups assembled here before storming the palace.
The space takes its name from the adjoining Winter Palace and now serves as a venue for New Year concerts and city festivals. Visitors can enter the symmetrical layout through the triumphal arch dividing the General Staff Building into two wings.
The square is freely accessible around the clock and sits within walking distance of several metro stations. Those wishing to visit the museum in the Winter Palace can find the entrance on the north side of the space.
The central column rests on its base without any fastening and is held solely by its own weight of around 600 tons. This construction method required millimeter-precise calculations during its installation in the 19th century.
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