WINTER 2006: THE ICE PALACE

St.Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities of the world, has a great number of palaces built at different historic periods and in different architectural styles.

The Ice Palace built close to the historic heart of St.Petersburg is an exact replica of the ice palace built here in 1740 on the order of Empress Anna.

a few hours before the opening...

Built of ice from nearby lakes
(more than 3 tons of ice was needed) -
the complex includes numerous ice sculptures

The freezing weather of the last couple of weeks is ideal for preserving of the sculptures.
They are expected to last till early March.

... the opening ceremony with fireworks ...

Visitors pay 150 roubles to see the fantastic palace.
On St.Valentine's Day several weddings took place here.