Catherine the Second

Catherine II played a key role in the development of Saint Petersburg in the 18th century. Under her, the city gained new palaces, art collections, and architectural projects that still shape its historical appearance.

The Marble Palace – Catherine II's most personal gift to her favorite

Marble Palace in St. Petersburg: gift from Catherine II to Grigory Orlov, 32 types of marble, Orlov and White Halls, Konstantin owners, and a branch of the Russian Museum.

Catherine II and Platon Zubov: the last romance of the Great Empress

Platon Zubov – Catherine II's last favorite: how a 22-year-old guardsman conquered the empress, received dozens of positions, millions from the treasury, and how his life ended after Catherine's death.

Favourites of Catherine 2: how the empress ruled the country and the men

Favourites of Catherine 2: how many there really were, how the selection worked, Orlov and Potemkin, 'favour' at court, secret romances, and the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo.

The Large Hermitage in St. Petersburg – the building where Catherine 2's private collections became a great museum

The Old Hermitage in St. Petersburg: history of construction under Catherine 2, architecture of Yuri Felten, halls of Leonardo da Vinci and Titian, the Soviet Staircase, and world-class collections.

Catherine II went down in history as a ruler under whom Saint Petersburg strengthened its status as a major cultural and political center. During her era, architecture actively developed, new palace ensembles were created, and state collections were formed.

It was under Catherine II that the history of the Hermitage as a collection of works of art began. European architects and artists were invited to the city, and large-scale construction projects that changed the urban landscape were implemented.

The era of Catherine II in Petersburg is specific buildings, squares, and residences that today remain an important part of the city's historical heritage.