St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. It has many cultural attractions that create a special image of the city. One of these attractions is Rastrelli Square. It is known for its beautiful architectural ensemble.
Title History
Rastrelli Square changed its name several times. Its very first name is Smolny, because it is located next to the Smolny Cathedral. In 1864, it began to be called Mariinsky Square - in honor of Empress Maria Fyodorovna. This was done because the cathedral there and other nearby institutions were under its auspices.
However, another name appeared - Catherine. This name came from the street of the same name. She got her name from the church of St. Catherine. Then she became part of Shpalernaya street. This name was used more often, and after 1884 it became official.
Then, in 1923, this St. Petersburg landmark was renamed the architect Rastrelli Square. She was named after the famous master who created many magnificent creations in St. Petersburg. And in 1929, the attraction received its modern name - Rastrelli Square.
Brief biography of the architect
Francesco Rastrelli arrived in St. Petersburg in 1715 with his father. Their talent was not appreciated in Italy, so they went to France, where they worked at the court of Louis XIV. When the French king passed away, Francesco, like many others, was left without orders. Then he met with Russian diplomat Zotov. He was instructed to look for talented people abroad, and that was Rastrelli.
The famous architect has created many beautiful architectural creations. The heyday of his work was during the reign of Elizabeth I. He performed his creations in the Baroque style, which gave the architectural appearance of the city such a luxurious look. His main creations are the palaces in Peterhof and Tsarskoye Selo, as well as the Winter and Stroganov palaces, Smolny Cathedral, in whose honor the square was named. Later it was named after the famous architect.
History of creation
The description of Rastrelli Square indicates that it is interesting for tourists due to the beautiful architectural ensemble. It consists of the Smolny Cathedral and the Smolny building (the city administration is located in it), which is located nearby. The cathedral was built on the site of the Smolny House, where Elizabeth spent her youthful years.
This name has appeared since the time of Peter I, because then resin was prepared in it for the construction of ships. The construction of the cathedral began in 1748, and the architect Stasov finished it in 1835. This building is made in the style of Russian Baroque. It is white-blue in color with the addition of gilding and has a magnificent appearance.
Marble was used for interior decoration, the main hall is decorated with a crystal balustrade, three beautiful iconostases, and the department is decorated with exquisite carvings. Catherine the Great at the Cathedral opened the Smolny Institute, which taught girls from noble families. In 1917, the institute had a revolutionary headquarters. In 1990, Smolny Cathedral received the status of an exhibition and concert hall.
Features of the architectural style
Rastrelli worked in the Russian Baroque style - the so-called architectural direction, which was formed in the Russian Empire at the end of the XVII-XVIII centuries. There were several varieties of it, and F. B. Rastrelli embodied the direction of the Elizabethan Baroque.
This variety of baroque was a combination of the Petrine and Moscow movements with North Italian notes. Since Rastrelli was his most famous and largest representative, it received a different name - "Rastrelli". Its distinguishing feature was the majestic architecture, which was supposed to glorify the Russian Empire. Francesco Bartolomeo was characterized by a large scale of buildings, luxurious decoration, the use of two or three colors for painting the facade with the addition of gold.
The architectural style of Rastrelli can be described as a festive major. And he influenced all of Russian art in the mid-17th century. It was during that period that the most magnificent palace complexes of St. Petersburg and other city buildings were built.
How to get there
The square is located at the intersection of Smolny, Shpalernaya and Lafonskaya streets, Tauride and Quarenghi lanes. How to get to her? You need to come to St. Petersburg, from the Chernyshevsky metro to Rastrelli Square. Shuttle buses No. 15, 46 go from there, the stop is Smolny.
Vorontsov Palace
In addition to Rastrelli Square in St. Petersburg, the famous architect also created beautiful palace ensembles. The Vorontsov Palace is located on Sadovaya Street opposite Gostiny Dvor. Its construction was from 1749 to 1757. The customer was Chancellor M.I. Vorontsov.
The palace is made in the Baroque style, and it stands out with a magnificent, majestic facade and the same magnificent and magnificent decoration of the interiors. Inside a large number of halls and other rooms. The Vorontsov Palace is decorated with stucco, carvings and other decorative elements that are characteristic of Baroque.
The construction of such a luxurious palace took a lot of money. And in 1763, Count Vorontsov gave it to the Russian treasury. When Paul I ascended the throne, the palace was transferred to the Order of Malta. From 1810 to 1918, the Page Corps was located, and in 1955 - the Suvorov Military School. Also part of the palace ensemble is the Maltese Chapel.
Stroganov Palace
Another of Rastrelli's famous creations is the Stroganov Palace, which is the oldest of its buildings. Its construction went from 1753 to 1754. Rastrelli used previously built structures as the basis.
Of the creations of the architect in the Stroganov Palace preserved:
- Big hall.
- The front lobby.
Then the palace ensemble was remade by other architects. The Stroganov Palace is an example of Russian baroque. Since 1988, this building belongs to the Russian Museum, and one of its branches is located there.
Rastrelli Square is one of the St. Petersburg sights, which makes it possible to experience the greatness of the Northern capital of Russia. This is an example of luxurious lush style that made the urban look more festive. You also need to familiarize yourself with other creations of the talented architect, because many of his buildings are the main attractions of St. Petersburg.
Some of the palace ensembles were remade by other architects because the fashion was changing. But most of the creations preserved the distinctive features of the Elizabethan or Rastrelli baroque. Guests of St. Petersburg have a great opportunity to see how the urban appearance has changed in different historical eras and admire the talent of architects.