In Russia, things are often under repair, including the palaces.
Tsarskoye Selo, a palace built by Catherine, lies on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. During the Second Great Patriotic War, Nazis occupied and trashed the palace, and stole the vaunted amber room. That room was recently restored, and is the only one in which pictures are forbidden during the tour.
For more photos from the castle and a few from around St. Petersburg, click here.
Zachary Tracer 
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