St. Petersburg is famous for its magnificent buildings, many of which were built by the 18th century.One of them is the Tauride Palace (pictured right).Its construction began in 1783 and lasted about six years.Its architect is IEStar - one of the first representatives of the school of Russian classicism.
Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg: history
place for the construction of the palace was chosen as a vast territory on the left bank of the Neva River in Shpalernaya streets of St. Petersburg.Not far from this place is the Smolny Convent.Initially, the building was not called a palace.At that time, the construction of this type were called houses.It was given the name of House of the Horse Guards, and it was intended for private use illustrious Prince Grigory Potemkin - a favorite of the Empress Catherine the Great.However, the owner of all this splendor because of the constant trips almost did not live in the Tauride Palace.
Description House Horse Guards
building of the palace is considered to be a shining example of classicism - style characteristic of Russia in the late 18th - early 19th century.From the front it is largely different from the luxurious palaces and Baroque Rococo era.Tauride Palace is U-shaped and consists of several buildings with a total area of about 66 sq. M.meters.The facade has a 260-meter long and is decorated with six-columned portico in the Doric style.Above the central building, whose height is 12 meters, it is a drum with a dome.With its sides are one-story gallery, which connect it with the wings.Despite the fact that for more than three centuries the interior of the building has undergone many changes in the Tauride Palace and today you can see the magnificent interior decoration.On the interior of the original form can be found in descriptions of contemporaries.For example, the great poet Derzhavin after visited the palace, was shocked by his splendor and praised what he saw in his poems.And surroundings were majestic palace.In front of him was located safe haven round with a marina.She stood pleasure boats for the residents and guests of the estate.The park area consisted of many picturesque hills, small ponds, canals, bridges, large flower beds, greenhouses, greenhouses, etc.
Catherine Hall and other interior
central location in the Tauride Palace is considered to Catherine Hall.Its vestibule is a domed room with a colonnade in front of which are located triumphal gate with jasper and granite pillars.Catherine Hall otherwise called white columns.It is based on the author put the architectural elements of the Hellenistic era.During the holidays, he was able to accommodate up to 5000 guests.At the end of the hall was located rotunda winter garden with eight columns.In the midst of her was placed a statue of Catherine the Great (author F.Shubin).In the garden grow beautiful exotic plants.In the Tauride Palace, besides Catherine Hall and winter garden are also worth seeing Chinese and sofas hall, art gallery and Tapestry lounge.Ceilings and walls of some rooms painted by skilled craftsmen.There was a large collection of paintings and statues.
further fate of the Tauride Palace
During the reign of the son of Catherine the Great, Paul I, the Tauride Palace was placed under the barracks.However, since 1801 the palace was restored again and became one of the residences of the imperial house, and in the early 20th century - the building of the State Duma.After the first revolution in its premises housed the provisional government of Kerensky.Now here come the annual International Economic Forum.The palace also lodges today the general office of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth (CIS).
