Looking south across the Palace Square from the Hermitage one sees the former Imperial Army General Staff building (built between 1819 and 1829 by the Italian architect Carlo Rossi). It incorporates the triumphal arch celebrating the Russian victory over Napoleon. The building now houses Russian government offices. A bicycle rally event was taking place in the square that day.
Looking south across the Palace Square from the Hermitage one sees the former Imperial Army General Staff building (built between 1819 and 1829 by the Italian architect Carlo Rossi). It incorporates the triumphal arch celebrating the Russian victory over Napoleon. The building now houses Russian government offices. A bicycle rally event was taking place in the square that day.
