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Winter
Palace
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.
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Yusupov Palace
Constructed
in 1830 - 1837
Architect A. Mikhailov
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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.
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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.
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The Summer Palace
of Peter the Great
Architect
D. Trezzini
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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.
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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. |
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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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See Also:  Museums
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Sights to see
• Winter Palace
One of city's oldest buildings, former permanent
residence of Russian Tsars, now is a part of the Hermitage Museum. The
museum's collection numbers over 3 million items - painting,
sculptures, applied art, archeological finds.
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