The Alexander Palace, near St. Petersburg, has the distinction of being the last royal residence of the Romanovs, the Russian imperial family. After the revolution in 1917, Czar Nicholas and his family were imprisoned in the Palace, ending the long reign of the Tsars over the Russian homeland. Today, 20 rooms of the palace have been restored to their original grandeur and are open to the public as a museum. Extensive restoration is still being done on the exterior.
Designed by the famous Italian architect of the time, Giancomo Quarenghi, the Alexander Palace is designed in a neoclassical style, reminiscent of Roman architecture. Catherine the Great built the palace as a wedding gift for her 17-year-old grandson. The grounds around the palace are fantastic as well, accentuated with statuary, fountains, and thousands of trees.
During the Nazi invasion, much of Alexander Palace was damaged or destroyed and has since been restored to its former glory. The palace was also used as a dormitory for members of the Russian secret police at one time. The Alexander Palace is an important fixture in the history of Russia and all its political upheaval.
Tour the Alexander Palace
The Alexander Palace is located 15 miles from St. Petersburg on a piece of property once called Tsarskoye Selo, or the Tsar's little village. It is close to other great landmarks like the Catherine Palace. If you visit the St. Petersburg area, you surely won't want to miss the residence of the last Imperial family.
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