Mikhailovsky Castle (Michael's Palace)

This was built on the site of of the wooden summer palace of Elizabeth Petrovna. The castle was named after the church within it's walls, which was dedicated to the Archangel Michael, the dread leader of the heavenly host. The building's appearance is a reflection of its owner's darkly romantic imagination. The castle was surrounded by a moat, which was passable only by means of drawbridges. This is where Paul I was assassinated in 1801, in spite of the thick defensive walls of the building and the presence of the tsar's personal armed guard.

In the front of the castle, on the parade grounds, stands a monument to Peter the Victor (man on horse). It has a comical appearance, made to mock Peter versus glorify him. The horse and Peter both have bug eyes and Peter carries a worthless, short weapon in his hand.