St. Petersburg is a city that came to life during the dark days of winter. Balls filled the city keeping spirits high during the long season. To have a proper ball there must be proper ball rooms and in a city of palaces, there seems to be no lack for opulent interiors.
Catherine the Great had this palace built for her favorite Count Grigory Orlov because he helped her ascend to the throne in 1762. He responded to gifting her with one of the larges cut diamonds in the world (189.6 carats) which was later mounted in the royal scepter. He died before the palace was completed in 1785 so she ended up giving it to her grandson.
The exterior is quiet impressive with the smooth, pink marble giving it a royal feel.
The Grand Marble Staircase and the Marble Hall are the only two areas that remain virtually untouched and unchanged since Catherine's day. They are magnificent. I love the soft blue walls contrasted with the white ornamental plasterwork as you ascend the green limestone staircase to the main floor. The Marble Hall has a beautiful wood inlaid floor. Patterns on the walls are created with 33 different types of marble that reach to the gilded ceiling. Two huge crystal chandeliers grace the open space. I can only imagine women in beautiful balls gowns floating and twirling through this room, warmed by the two fireplaces and flushed by the excitement of the gay evening.
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