The document discusses the shifting architectural styles in Russia from 1700-1800, reflecting the tastes of different monarchs. Peter I favored a Westernized Baroque style when building St. Petersburg. Empresses Elizabeth and Anna continued the Baroque style, constructing buildings like the Trinity Lavra monastery and Winter Palace. Catherine disliked Baroque and preferred Neoclassical, inviting foreign architects. Alexander I's Empire style influenced buildings after the 1812 Moscow fire. Nicholas I eased regulations, allowing Renaissance influences. Later rulers Alexander II and III promoted a Byzantine revival in civil and church construction. Overall, Russia's architecture showed changing tastes through different imperial eras.