Hermitage and the Winter Palace
★ 4.8🇷🇺 Saint PetersburgSuggested visit Half a dayBest season May to September, with the white nights bringing very long days
MuseumPalaceArt
The tsars' Winter Palace and the Hermitage in one complex, with one of the largest collections in the world.
Overview
Built in the 18th century to a design by Bartolomeo Rastrelli as the official residence of the Russian emperors, the Winter Palace's green and white Baroque facade faces the Neva. It and the adjoining buildings form the Hermitage, with more than three million items covering Western painting, classical art and Russian antiquities; the Rembrandt, Leonardo and Matisse holdings are especially celebrated.
History
Peter the Great founded Saint Petersburg in 1703 and it was the capital from 1712 to 1918; the Winter Palace began collecting art in 1764 and opened to the public in 1852.
Highlights
- •The Baroque facade of the Winter Palace
- •The Western painting galleries
- •The Peacock Clock and the Gold Rooms
- •The Neva and Palace Square
Practical tips
- •The collection is enormous — pick highlights in advance
- •Book timed tickets online in high season
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- About RUB 500 for the main complex
- Opening hours
- 10:30-18:00 (closed Mondays)
- Local food
- Borscht, blini, caviar
- Getting around
- About four hours by high-speed train from Moscow.
- Visa
- A visa is required; apply about a month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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