10 Most Beautiful Palaces in the World

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5Winter Palace, Russia

The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, is an architectural marvel and a symbol of the opulence of the Russian tsars. Constructed in the mid-18th century by order of Empress Elizabeth, the palace served as the official residence of the Russian monarchs until the 1917 Revolution.

Its stunning baroque exterior, designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, and its lavishly decorated interiors, including the iconic Jordan Staircase and the Malachite Room, are highlights. The Winter Palace now forms part of the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world.