The Kamennoostrovsky Palace in St. Petersburg: address, photo

Many tourists believe that the center of art is exclusively Western Europe. But Petrograd can compete with it, which residents and visitors of the city affectionately and abbreviatedly call SPb. The Kamennoostrovsky Palace is an example of classicism that, despite significant changes and restoration, has not lost the spirit of the XVIII century.

Elite area

The northern capital has its analogy near Moscow Rublyovka, which boasts rich and famous residents. Its total area is 10.6 km². It is located in the delta of the main river of Peter and is washed by small rivers Krestovka, Bolshaya and Malaya Nevka. Now Kamenny Island is the center of St. Petersburg, where expensive residences of influential people are located.

But three hundred years ago these lands were wild outskirts of the city. If it were not for certain historical events and intrigues of the royal court, perhaps Russia would not be proud of such architectural wonders as the Kamennoostrovsky Palace, the Gauswald dacha, the Fallenweider mansion and others.

The site's history began immediately after the laying of the first structure of the Northern Capital - Peter and Paul Fortress - on May 16, 1703.

The plan of the great emperor

Two interesting legends are associated with the name of this land. According to the first version, on the island lay a huge boulder, which hung over the site like a rock. The second myth says: this territory is named after the great emperor-reformer. After all, with the Greek petros, from which the name Peter comes, is translated as "stone."

The Emperor had big plans on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. In order to consolidate the Russian status on the conquered Swedish lands, he granted large plots to his loyal subjects.

So, the first owner of the Stone Island was lucky to become Count Gavriil Golovkin. It was him, a diplomat and a friend, the emperor in 1709 gave this site. It is worth noting that it is at the top where this man was built that today stands the Kamennoostrovsky Palace.

Foundation for a residence

Sources show that this diplomat, despite his great incomes, was extremely stingy. To build a magnificent mansion for him was a fantastic thing.

But the Count was very much afraid that the emperor, who liked to visit the territories he had given often, would come to the island and not see any changes for the better. So Golovkin gave the order to build a cheap house of wood, behind which a modest garden was planted. Further thick dense forest grew. Fears were justified, and in 1715 the monarch visited the given territories. It was there in a few years that the Kamennoostrovsky Palace appeared, the creation of the hands of the wife of his grandson Peter III.

After the death of the first emperor, the Count successfully contrived to his own death in 1734 and remained an important person at the court, which survived three coups. But his son Mikhail could not get out of the water of intrigue and fell into disfavor with the new tsarina, Elizabeth Petrovna. He and his wife were sent into exile. Property and land were confiscated.

The founder of the ensemble

The Empress presented the island with her cousin, Anna Skavronskaya, who married Count Alexei Bestuzhev-Ryumin and transferred his property to him. He actively took up the planning of the territory, where the Kamennoostrovsky Palace stands today. To uproot the deaf forest and drain the swamps, the count brought hundreds of Ukrainian families.

Later a beautiful garden in French style was planted. The Count initiated the creation of a beautiful lush ensemble, on the basis of which other buildings were built. There they often arranged loud masquerade balls, which all the city's nobles came to.

In 1758, the tsarina demoted and sent Bestuzhev. Nevertheless, the confiscation was not carried out. The count headed his estates at a distance. So, some time through private ads of Petersburg, he rented his estate.

Bestuzhev returned to power Catherine II. She resumed the title, but because of his debts, he bought an island from him for 30,000 rubles.

Start work

In 1765, the Empress gave this territory to her son and heir Paul I. Construction began to build the Kamennoostrovsky Palace in St. Petersburg, the best masters of that time were invited from all over the country. Until now, the name of the author of the project is not known exactly. According to one source, they were Vasily Bazhenov.

Yuri Felten was in charge of the process. After the Flood of 1777, Giacomo Quarenghi replaced him. The process of construction took about ten years. It is worth noting that Paul I did not have a special predilection for this area. The thing was that Catherine II gave her son Pavlovsk and Gatchina in the same period. They became the beloved residence of the ruler.

The buildings were completed in 1780. Then a magnificent ball was held in honor of the finish of the works, which the queen herself visited. But only two years later we completely finished working with the interior.

The love nest of the monarch

The form of the residence is a stretched letter "P". Style is sustained in strict Russian classicism. In general, only 30 rooms have the Kamennoostrovsky Palace. The restoration was carried out from the outside several times, and each time the masters managed to preserve the original appearance of the building. But inside the style changed often.

Time of heyday fell on the reign of son Paul I - Alexander. For 25 years it was the main residence of the emperor. The monarch's attachment to this place is very easy to explain. Opposite to his estate, on the other bank of the Little Nevka, was the mansion of Maria Naryshkina, the favorite of the emperor. Their novel lasted 15 years.

When the Emperor moved to the island, he closed all the entertainment facilities and taverns. He wanted peace and quiet. For reflection, he was inspired by the lush garden, which was complemented by the ensemble of the house. You could go directly to him from the ballroom.

Fashion of Time

The Kamennoostrovsky Palace grew very fast. Photos on which you can see the decoration and interior of the castle - the work of different generations of masters. In the time of Giacomo Quarenghi, the facade of the building was built and the front courtyard decorated with six columns in the Tuscan order style. At the same time, granite steps were installed .

In 1820 cardinal perestroika began. Added cabinet for the ruler of Alexander I, the garden was reconstructed. The walls were redesigned by the artist Giovanni Batista. All the changes were made in accordance with the fashion trends.

The Grand Hall is especially noteworthy. His main purpose is balls and masquerades. Today, there are marble sculptures depicting the characters of Greek myths.

From kings to presidents

Many historical events saw these walls. Here, Mikhail Kutuzov was appointed commander of the army. Also in this residence the emperor learned about the Decembrists. The palace became the center of painting under Princess Elena Pavlovna. There were also musical evenings organized by Rubinstein. A frequent guest of the mansion was Alexander Pushkin.

After the revolution, the estate was made a hospital, then a colony for minors, and later - a sanatorium for soldiers-pilots.

In 2008, the reconstruction began. Now property in this area is worthless money and is considered the most elite among all sites in St. Petersburg.

The workers of the complex conduct interesting and informative excursions to the Kamennoostrovsky Palace. The address on which the ensemble is located: Embankment of the Malaya Nevka River, 1A.

Several buildings were to be converted to the governor's residence, but the authorities changed the decision. In September this year, they plan to open the Academy of Talents. This will allow you to freely visit the architectural miracle for everyone.