Russian Fair Travel

Shuvalov Palace


      This mansion on Fontanka River Embankment is one of the pearls in the luxurious necklace of St. Petersburg’s palaces. It is certainly one of the most beautiful historic buildings in St. Petersburg erected in the 18th century. Built in the 1790’s for Countess Vorontsova on the Fontanka Embankment near Anichkov Bridge was bought by Count Naryshkin in the early 19th century.
      From 1799 to 1846 the Naryshkins family lived in the palace. They were the relatives of the ruling at that time royal Romanovs dynasty (Peter’s the Great mother was Naryshkina). They annexed another wing to the main building – an amazing dancing hall decorated with murals depicting the Trojan War that became one of the best dancing halls in Saint – Petersburg. Because of the splendid architecture and great acoustics, various concerts, balls, performances were enjoyed by nobility. The best singers, musicians, artists performed here. Also the Palace housed a magnificent picture gallery, rare specimen brought from Italy, Greece and Asia Emperor Alexander I, his brother Konstantin, A. Pushkin, V. Zhkovsky, G. Derzhavin were frequent guests at the Palace. In 1846 Naryshkin’s daughter married Count Shuvalov. From then Shuvalov period of the Palace started.Shuvalov renovated the Palace, changed its original facade. Young couple art collection made the palace even more famous. Many of the masterpieces they collected are in the State Hermitage Museum and in Russian Museum now.
      In the beginning of the 20 th century, the Countess Elizabeth Shuvalova revived the Palace cultural life giving performances, concerts, balls. After many years of reconstruction Naryshkin - Shuvalov Palace, Its history, architecture, halls, interiors continue to admire all visitors.