Russian Fair Travel

ANICHKOV PALACE


      Anichkov Palace, one of the oldest in Nevsky Prospect is also one of the most famous and grand monuments of Palace architecture of 18-19th centuries in St. Petersburg. In 1710 they the authorities took a decision to distribute pieces of land along the Fontanka River for building stone houses.
      In 1741 Princess Elizaveta (Peter’s I) Petrovna gave an order to build Anichkov Palace - the first stone Palace in Nevsky Prospect. Soldiers under the command of officer Anichkov built the first wooden bridge and documents of the time say : ”…the Palace by Anichkov bridge…” So, the bridge and the Palace got the name “Anichkov”. Subsequently, outstanding Russian and Foreign architects such as M. Zemtsov, F. Rastrelli, I. Starov, K. Rossi, I. Monigetti, Sokolov, Shtakenshneider, Ruska, etc. worked on this masterpiece. In 1754 the construction work was completed.
      For more than two centuries Empresses presented the Palace to their favorites . In the 19th century it became a possession of the Romanovs. Later on, the Palace was a marriage present for the royal family members.
      Magnificent halls of the Palace witnessed musical and poetical evenings, concerts, where such great Russian celebrities as A. Pushkin, I. Krylov, F. Dostoevsky, M. Glinka, M. Balakirev were warmly welcomed. Intricate vases, decorative sculptures, bronze chandeliers were preserved. The Palace interiors are distinguished by integral ensemble unity. No doubt, Anichkov Palace is one of the most striking Palaces of St. Petersburg.