Constructed in 1754 - 1762 Architect F. Rastrelli
In 1753 Saint-Petersburg celebrated its 50th anniversary. That date was
marked with the building of the Winter Palace - the main residence of
Russian Emperors. The design of the palace corresponded well to basic
requirements of the time - such were of great scale, unprecedented luxury
and decorative variety. All of these are primary features of European
baroque style. The richest art collection was exhibited in this main Tzar`s
residence. Today the Winter Palace and several adjacent buildings belong
to the Hermitage, one of the oldest and greatest world museums.
Yusupov Palace
Constructed in 1830 - 1837 Architect A. Mikhailov
One of the most famous private mansions of St Petersburg, the Yusupov
palace is situated in the old part of the city on the embankment of the
Moika River. The Yusupov Dukes owned tremendous amounts of property and
this palace was their family house. Five generations of the Yusupov family
lived here.The Yusupovs belonged to the elite Russian aristocracy and
their refined taste predetermined the elegance and cultural value of the
palace interiors. In December of 1916 the apartments of this palace witnessed
historical drama - the Tzar`s favorite legendary Grigory Rasputin was
killed here. Thanks to the selfless work of restoration workers the palace
survived many hard times and kept its amazing atmosphere of a respectable
mansion.
Mikhailovsky ("Engineers") Castle
Constructed in 1797 - 1800 Architects V. Brenna, V. Bajenov
The Michailovsky Castle seems to be the most romantic and mysterious building
of the "Northern Capital". It was built for Emperor Pavel I
as his residence. The castle church was consecrated to the Archangel Michael.
This is what gave to the castle its name. The building became known throughout
history as a castle because a lot of medieval architectural features were
used in its initial design. For the last 10 years the castle has been
a part of the Russian Museum. Currently, huge restoration works are being
conducted both outside and inside the castle. The intention is to restore
the magnificent interiors of the former Tzar`s residence.
The Summer Palace of Peter the Great
Architect D. Trezzini
One of the first stone buildings in St.Petersburg is located on the grounds
of the Summer Garden which laid out was on the order of Peter the Great.
The interior decoration of the early XVIII century style offers a nice
selection of Russian and Western European painting and decorative and
applied art of the late XVII - beginning of the XVIII centuries, as well
as personal belongings of Peter the Great.
Mariinsky Palace
Constructed in 1838 - 1845 Architect A. Shtakenshneider
The Mariinsky Palace was named after the emperor Nicholas I's daughter
Maria. It belonged to her for some time. After the sale of the palace
by princess Maria's successors, the State Council was placed there. Later
the Provisional Government resided in the palace (after the February revolution
in 1917). After the Bolshevik revolution the executive authority of Leningrad,
the Lensoviet, worked there.
Presently the St.Petersburg Assembly and Election Committee occupy the
building.
Tavrichesky Palace
Constructed in 1783 - 1789 Architect I. E. Starov
The palace was given by Catherine II to Prince G.A. Potemkin-Tavrichesky
who received the title of Prince of Taurida for his successful military
command during the conquest of Taurida (as the Crimea was called at that
time).
The palace is built in the style of 18th century classicism. One can see
sunlit columns across the front of the portico...Magnificent outlines
of large Italian windows...Remarkable symmetry, and beautiful marble in
the interior. There are thirty six columns, decorative two-colour wall-paintings
forming a relief and bronze chandeliers.
Currently the Parliamentary Committee of CIS is located there.
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