Yusupov Palace on the Moika in St. Petersburg

The phrase "Yusupov Palace" requires specification. This noble and rich family had many palaces in different parts of the Russian Empire. For example, the house on the Moika was owned by five generations of Yusupovs. This structure completely reflected the financial situation of the family. Behind a clear, harmonious facade that does not allow us to say about the true size of the palace, the luxurious magnificence of its interior is hidden.

About the Palace

The Yusupov Palace is an invaluable facility for the tourism industry. Excursions around St. Petersburg often include a visit to this building. The most famous urban storylines found themselves in it: the luxurious life of the Russian aristocratic society and the famous murder of Rasputin. Unfortunately, the legendary event for many canceled the great history of the palace.

Historical reference

The palace on the Moika was taken over by the Yusupovs in 1830, having changed several owners before it. At the beginning of the 18th century, the niece of Peter I, who later belonged to Count Shuvalov, was located nearby . Shuvalov built the first palace in the Baroque style. The Count's son sold this house and founded next to it another building, created in the style of classicism, which became the prototype of the modern Yusupov Palace. Until today, this building has preserved the triumphal arch of the front entrance and a high fence with columns.

During the reign of Catherine II, the palace on the Moika was transferred to the treasury, and in 1795 the tsarina gave it as a gift to her maid of honor - Alexandra Branitskaya. After 35 years the estate was bought by the nephew of Branitskaya - Prince Boris Nikolaevich Yusupov. Since the material means of the Yusupov family were boundless, the palace soon became a prototype of fabulous luxury and exquisite beauty.

With great scope, the Yusupovs began to transform the palace. The architect Andrei Mikhailov did not change the central facade, but he did more lateral rhizolites on the floor, erected a three-story building in the east of the manor, combined wings where an art gallery and a home theater are located. A garden was built, garden pavilions and greenhouses were built. There was a grand staircase from the side of the river, leading to the parade chambers. Interiors were designed by the best decorators of the time.

After the death of the first master, the palace was again reconstructed.

Another redevelopment of the palace was subjected to the end of the XIX century. It was equipped with the necessary achievements of those times - sewerage, water supply, steam heating, electric lighting. The last modifications were made in 1914: the chambers on the first floor were renovated before the wedding of Prince Felix with Grand Duchess Irina Alexandrovna.

After the revolutionary period, an exhibition devoted to the murder of Rasputin and the Museum of the Nobility of Life were placed for a short time in the Yusupov Palace. Then the building was handed over to Leningrad educators. Thanks to this, the Yusupov Palace on the Moika managed to avoid ruin. During the blockade, there was a hospital in the palace. In 1960 the Yusupov Palace on the Moika became a recognized historical and cultural monument of federal significance.

Nowadays

The restored halls of the palace are open for excursion programs, and here you can rent a room for corporate holidays, balls, weddings and other events. Performances and concerts are held in the theater.

Educational activities are also dramatized: actors show scenes from secular life. The most popular is the exposition "Murder of Rasputin", made in a close basement, where everything was done. Some visitors and guests have the effect of a real presence: the wax figures of the participants in the events and the photographs intensify the action.

Yusupov Palace: how to get there?

The building is located in the center of the city. The Yusupov Palace (address) is located on the Moika embankment in house 94. You can get to this historical monument by walking, reaching the nearest metro stations or by using land transport.

Interesting Facts

• The palace at one time was widely known to the higher world of Petersburg, in it constantly passed balls and social receptions, amazed visitors with luxury and riches.
• The Yusupov Palace on the Moika was one of 57 buildings that belonged to this family in Russia. In St. Petersburg, the princely family had 4 palaces.
• In the palace theater, famous for the whole city were staged performances, it was performed the debut first act of the opera Glinka - "Life for the Tsar."
• The Yusupov Palace on the Moika is included in the Unified State Register of Objects of Cultural Heritage of Russia.

Conclusion

The Yusupov Palace on the Moika is truly a masterpiece of architecture of its time, beautiful both outside and inside. This monument of culture still fascinates all its guests. Having visited St. Petersburg, you should definitely visit this place. Excursions around St. Petersburg offer a rich program, including a visit to the Yusupovs palace.