Catherine Palace, named for Catherine, the wife of Peter the Great, was formerly a modest two-story building constructed in 1717. In 1743, however, Empress Elizabeth commissioned the estate to be fixed up and aggrandized by four different architects before finally settling with the remodel of Bartholomeo Rastrelli. A stunning residence today, Catherine Palace is best known for its gleaming blue exterior, its glittering Golden Enfilade of state rooms, its looming Portrait Hall, and its magnificent Amber Room. Don't miss out on its intricately breathtaking interior Palace Chapel as well! Open all year round, this is a must-see attraction for any visit to St. Petersburg.