What is the Alexander Palace in Tsarskoye Selo and why is it significant?

The Alexander Palace is a historic imperial palace located in the town of Tsarskoye Selo, near St. Petersburg, Russia. Originally built in the early 18th century for Empress Catherine I, the palace was later renovated and expanded by a number of other Russian monarchs, including Catherine the Great and Alexander I. However, it is most closely associated with the last imperial family of Russia, the Romanovs, who used it as their primary residence from 1905 until their overthrow in 1917.

The palace is significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is intimately linked with the Romanov family and the last days of the Russian Empire. It was here that Tsar Nicholas II and his family were held under house arrest following the February Revolution of 1917. It was also from the Alexander Palace that Nicholas II abdicated the throne in March of that year, effectively ending centuries of Romanov rule.

After the Russian Revolution, the palace was confiscated by the Soviet government and used for a variety of purposes over the years, including as a museum and a military hospital. However, it was neglected for much of the 20th century and fell into a state of disrepair. In recent years, however, there have been efforts to restore the palace to its former glory, and it is once again open to the public as a museum.