Yes, the buildings in South Kensington (V & A, Albert Hall, Albert Memorial, museums etc.) do express a particularly Victorian imperial confidence. In the mid-20th century this was rejected by the intelligentsia, but nowadays, although we do not share the uncomplicated ideas of the Victorians about imperialism and progress, people tend not just to have a certain nostalgia, but also to appreciate them as works of art - mainly as brilliant eclectic pastiches. And no, it's not like Piter, though it does have slight similarity with something in Rome - the Vittorio Emmanuele memorial on Piazza Venezia, which is of a similar vintage - and, by the way, it is *not* always under a blue sky. I have known blue skies in Rome, but then I see them in London from time to time - and in both cities I have experienced grey skies and pouring rain! If anything, I think Rome is wetter than London.

Not Piter, but for a comparison, try Moscow - MGU, MID i pr. Similar imperialism?