Winter Palace Grand Courtyard Live Webcam, Saint Petersburg

The Grand Courtyard (also called the Ceremonial Courtyard) of the Winter Palace is an inner space surrounded by the palace’s four wings, forming a closed rectangular area. It is located at the heart of the architectural ensemble on Palace Square in Saint Petersburg. The courtyard covers 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres), with a length of approximately 137 meters (449 ft) and a width of around 106 meters (348 ft). The main entrance is through the arches of the southern façade. The surrounding building façades are decorated with columns, stucco, and sculptures, reflecting the grandeur of the palace.

The courtyard was designed by the Russian architect of Italian origin, Francesco Rastrelli, as part of the fifth iteration of the Winter Palace under Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was originally intended for ceremonial carriage entrances and military parades. After the 1917 revolution, the courtyard was used for public events, and since 1922, it has been part of the Hermitage Museum complex. Nearby is the Jordan Staircase, an architectural masterpiece leading into the Hermitage from the Neva River side. Access to the courtyard is free, but a museum ticket is required to enter the palace itself.