St. Petersburg is a city of palaces. From the very foundation of Peter, the royal family lived in it, for which summer and winter apartments were built. These buildings have created a unique image of this city.
The article will present the most famous palaces of St. Petersburg. After reading this brief overview of the palace complexes, you will learn a little about the history of the northern capital and its attractions. And if in the future you decide to visit the palaces of St. Petersburg, then they will amaze with their beauty and luxury of the interiors. After all, each in its own way is unique and is the architectural gem of the city.
Mikhailovsky Palace in St. Petersburg
In 1719, on the site where the Mikhailovsky Palace is currently located, Peter I was defeated by a fruit garden. He stretched from Fontanka to the river Krivushi. In 1798, Paul I decided to build apartments for his son Michael in this place. And he commanded to save several hundred thousand rubles every year for the construction. By 1819, a significant amount was accumulated, but after the palace coup, Paul I was killed.
But the will of the sovereign was nevertheless fulfilled by Alexander I, who began construction. Mikhailovsky Palace in St. Petersburg was built thanks to the architect K.I. Rossi. The building was planned to be created in the form of a Russian estate, consisting of the main building and two side wings. In 1823, construction work was completed, and in 1825 the decoration began. Remarkable artists, sculptors, furniture masters, and stone-cutters worked on the interior. At the entrance to the building there is a wide staircase made of granite. It is decorated with two lion statues on the sides. In 1895, an order was signed by Nicholas II that the palace is now the Russian Museum of Emperor Alexander III.
At the moment, visiting the building, you will see a huge collection of Russian art, paintings by famous artists such as A. Rublev, K. Bryullov, F. Shubin, I. Repin, I. Shishkin, M. Vrubel, M. Chagall and many others .
Family nest of the Stroganovs
Belonged to Count A. Stroganov. It was built in 1753. The building is presented as a perfect example of Russian baroque. The project was created by architect F. B. Rastrelli. It consisted of fifty rooms, a large hall and gallery. After the revolution, the Stroganovs were expelled from their family nest. The palace was looted, the richest collections were destroyed.
For many years, the building was used by government agencies. And in 1990 it was given to the Russian Museum. Only the dance hall has preserved its decoration to this day.
Mariinsky Palace
It was built on the site of the apartments of Count I. G. Chernyshev. The name is given in honor of Princess Mary (daughter of Emperor Nicholas I). Construction began in 1839. During the construction, technical innovations were used, such as rafters made of metal. The interior of the palace is impressive. The architect created a suite of halls. Inside the palace there was even a church, which was created in the spirit of Byzantine temples.
After the February Revolution, various government departments were housed in the building for many years. Since 1994, the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg has been located here.
Yusupov Palace in St. Petersburg
Initially, the palace was built for Count P.I. Shuvalov. And then he went to Countess A. V. Brannitskaya. After 35 years, the palace was bought by Prince N. B. Yusupov. One of the best architects and decorators worked on the creation of the masterpiece.
The Yusupov Palace is located in St. Petersburg, namely on the embankment of the Moika River. The building is one of the best examples of aristocratic interior.
On December 17, 1916, a well-known event took place in the basement of the palace - the mysterious G. Rasputin was killed.
Nowadays, first of all, it is a museum, and then a theater, in which performances are given. The palace has preserved amazing in its beauty genuine interiors of the XIX century, which are hospitably open for wedding events and other celebrations.
Winter Palace
This is the standard of genuine sophistication and luxury. The building is built in the Baroque style. The Winter Palace is located in St. Petersburg, namely on the banks of the Winter Canal. This creation of F. B. Rastreli is called the heart of the northern capital.
The palace is 200 meters long, 22 meters high, and 160 meters wide. It is built in the shape of a quadrangle. Inside is a vast courtyard. The facades are facing the river, the Palace Square and the Admiralty. And how beautifully the decoration was done! The facade is divided by entablature, decorated with columns of composite and ionic orders, arches, stucco molding, reliefs. The interior is rich in various forms of platbands, decorative vases and statues, an abundance of stucco details.
The building was rebuilt many times. Today, tourists and residents of St. Petersburg are enjoying the sixth building of 1754-1762. Each owner considered it his duty to make changes to the layout of the interior. The best architects worked on the appearance - D. Trezzini, A.P. Bryullov, V.P. Stasov.
During the Great Patriotic War, the palace was damaged and was reconstructed. After the revolution, it was declared the State Museum.
At the moment, you can see a rich collection of museum exhibits, paintings by famous artists, admire the interiors of the imperial halls and sculptures.
Catherine Palace complex
The Catherine Palace is located in St. Petersburg, namely, outside of it in the city of Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo). The order for the construction of a summer residence was given by Catherine I in 1717. The building was planned to be recreated in the late Baroque style. Everything was controlled by an architect from Germany, I.F. Braunstein.
In 1743, Elizaveta Petrovna decided to expand and improve the palace. I entrusted this to the Russian architects A. Kvasov and M. Zemtsov. And in 1752, F. B. Rastrelli rebuilt the palace again, since the Empress considered that the building had become old-fashioned. As a result of the grandiose dismantling, a modern palace appeared, which is made in the Russian Baroque style. The architect makes a bold decision in the color of the facade. He uses sky blue, combining it with white and gold.
The huge volume of the building is visible from afar. It impresses with interiors, architecture, gardens. The palace complex is ideal for luxury weddings. In the halls you will be blinded by the sparkling gilding, the abundance of mirrors will surprise you, the amazing staircase and the unimaginable decor of the walls will hit you.
The palace is surrounded by a large park. There are many sculptures and various pavilions in it, but the main decoration is the Grotto, the Hermitage, the Lower and Upper Bath.
After World War II, the palace was destroyed and plundered, but thanks to the great work of the restorers, much was restored.
At the moment, you can visit the following exhibition rooms: throne and picture rooms; a bed; white ceremonial, green and raspberry dining rooms; waitress; Amber Room.
Sheremetev Residence
A plot of land located on the banks of the Fontanka River was transferred in 1721 to Field Marshal B. P. Sheremetyev for the construction of the estate. The Sheremetyevo Palace in St. Petersburg was erected thanks to a project created by architects F. S. Argunov and S. I. Chevakinsky. The building was built in the spirit of Russian architecture. The facade was decorated with stucco decoration, and the interior decoration was constantly changing, based on the tastes of the owners. After all, five generations have lived in these walls. Until 1917, the palace belonged to the count family of the Sheremetyevs. After the revolution, the palace passed from hand to hand. In 1990, transferred to the Museum of Theater and Music. The restoration work immediately began. The ceremonial and memorial interiors of the 19th century were recreated.
Currently, the palace exposition is organized in three directions:
- the history of the princely family of the Sheremetyevs;
- collection of musical instruments;
- private collection exhibition.
Tauride Palace
Until 1781 there was a name - Horse Guards House. Catherine II renamed Tauride. It was a country residence of G. Potemkin. The building had an impressive size and was made in the style of Russian classicism. The architect I.E. Starov was engaged in construction.
In appearance, the palace had a simple and austere facade, behind which was hidden a rich interior decoration. The building consists of three two-story buildings, the central one is crowned with a dome. All front rooms are decorated with paintings, carpets, luxurious furniture, tapestries, engravings in golden frames.
At the moment, the palace is the headquarters of the CIS participants. But concert nights are also held regularly.
Menshikov Apartments
Located on Vasilyevsky Island. Construction began in 1710. This is one of the very first stone structures. Menshikov’s palace appeared in St. Petersburg thanks to the great architects G. Schedel and D. Fountain.
It was built in the style of Peter's Baroque. The interior is decorated according to the fashion of the time. The following materials were used: carved wood, leather, painted tiles, fabrics. The main staircase is made of oak. The rooms were decorated with tiles. One of the most memorable rooms is the Walnut Cabinet. Rarity and various collections were stored there. The walls of the cabinet are finished with veneered walnut.
In 1727, Menshikov was exiled to Berezov. And the building was transferred to the museum of the Cadet Corps, and in 1960 the restoration began.
Today, visiting Menshikov’s residence, you can see the interior exhibition, which is dedicated to the Petrine era.
Marble Palace
It is an architectural monument of early classicism. During construction, natural stone was used. Several types of marble (Italian, Ural, Greek and Siberian rocks) were used to clad the facade and to decorate the interior. The stone decoration of the palace is striking in its richness, elegance, and multicolor. The building was designed by architect A. Rinaldi in the second half of the 18th century. The palace is considered the first building, which is faced with natural stone. It was built for the favorite of Catherine III. But, alas, G. Orlov did not wait for the end of construction, he died. The apartments were left in the ownership of the imperial family.
Later, the Central Museum of V.I. Lenin was opened here. This building deserves the attention of tourists interested in the history of old St. Petersburg and its architecture. In the halls you can see the following expositions: “Foreign Artists in Russia of the 18th-19th Centuries”, “Ludwig Museum” and so on. Since 1992, the Marble Palace has been transferred to the possession of the Russian Museum.
St. Petersburg impresses with its magnificent architecture. It is impossible to convey in words the beauty of the artistic sophistication of attractions. If you visit the palaces of St. Petersburg, then be sure to get acquainted with the history of the building and the fate of its owners.
You must see with your own eyes these pearls of architecture. The palaces of St. Petersburg are waiting for you!