Constructed in 1844 by the Emperor Nicholas for his daughter Maria as a wedding gift, the Mariinsky Palace is a neo-classical imperial palace. Inspired by the 17th-century French Baroque style, the reddish-brown façade features stately Corinthian columns. The interior is no less impressive. Filled with splendour, visitors will definitely be left awestruck once they see the marbled floor, gilded walls and paintings on the ceilings. If you wish to be wowed even further, the first floor has absolutely marvellous stained glass. A walk through the Duchess Maria’s rooms will leave you in envy as you see the lavish extravagance that surrounds you. Her husband, the Duke Maximillian, is no stranger to indulgence either, as his study room is filled with a collection of weapons and minerals.