Bolshoy Catherine Palace is a remarkable example of Russian baroque architecture. The existing palace was built between 1744 and 1756 by architects Zemtsov, Kvasov, Chevakinskiy, Rastrelli, Cameron, Quarenghi, Monighetti, Stasov.
    The leading role in design of the palace belongs to Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who by 1756 created an architectural masterpiece, which the delighted Empress Elizabeth named after her mother, Catherine I. In latter 18C some baroque interiors with opulent moldings and abundance of gold were replaced with rooms designed in more discreet classical style, preferred by Catherine the Great.
Like the honored guests of the Russian tsars, the nowadays visitors can also admire the full splendor of the palace interiors. Many restored rooms are open for public and contain objects of applied art, fine furniture, Russian and European paintings, unique collections of porcelain, amber, weaponry, artistic bronze and sculpture. Guided tours around the palace are available during museum hours (Mo, We-Su 10-17, closed last Monday of the month).