How is the area around the palace described?

A constant fog hangs over the palace. Strange phantoms rise with the mists. They are as dreadful as a hermit's dreams or the visions of dying girls. There are glaring fiends and snakes on spinning spires along with ghosts, open tombs, and purple fires. In addition, there are lakes of liquid gold and Elysian scenes, crystal domes, and angels in machines.