CASTLES OF RUSSIA

   When we think of Russia, we think of the biggest country. But there is something else that represents Russia beautifully - castles...

1. Winter Palace                                               

Located in St. Petersburg, Russia, construction on the Winter Palace began in 1711 by Peter the Great(Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov), he wanted it to show imperial Russia. Together with the city, the palace rebuilt for a lot of times. It has seen so much misery and destruction. Now the palace is known as part of Russia's famous Hermitage Museum. It attracts over 3.5 million visitors annually.

2. Gatchina Palace
Located in the town of Gatchina, Russia, above Lake Serebryannoe, the Gatchina Palace was built by order of Count Grigori Grigoryevich Orlov, and work began on the palace by Antonio Rinaldi in 1766. The palace has a secret underground tunnel led from the lake to a cellar beneath Count Orlov's bedchamber, treasurses in the interior, many structures such as brigdes, pavillions... Tsar Nicholas I built the Arsenal Hall, which he used as a summer residence. Alexander II and Alexander III both resided at Gatchina Palace. The last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, spent his childhood at Gatchina Palace. During WWII, Gatchina was bombed and burnt by Germany. From that time to today, the palace've been restored. Now it's home to a grand museum in Russia.

3. Stroganov Palace
It's also located in St, Petersburg, on the Moika River. The Stroganov family was the richest one in Russia. They hired most famous architects to build the palace. After the family emigrated out of Russia, the palace was belonging to the state. Nowaday the palace became an exhibition hall of the Russian Museum and houses great art work and ornate decor.

4. Grand Kremlin Palace
Located at the Moscow. It was built in 1837 as a residence for the Russian Tsars. The Grand Kremlin Palace seen replaces some other palaces like the palace of Empress Elizabeth. The palace's interior has over 700 chambers which include five ceremonial halls, the long Red Staircase, the royal apartments, servants quarters, and numerous other grand rooms. The Grand Kremlin is now home to the president of Russia.

5. Ivangorod Castle
Located outside the town of Ivangorod and overlooking the Narva (Narova) River, Ivangorod Castle was built by Ivan III (Ivan the Great) in 1492 to protect the lands against the Livonian Knights. During the Russo-Swedish War, the castle was seized and many of those who took refuge within its walls were put to the sword, the castle was then set on fire. Later, Peter the Great took returning the castle to the the Russian Empire until the Germans seized the castle in WWI and Nazi Germany returned the castle in WWII turning it into a POW camp. Today, the palace is in a ruinous state.