This palace on Annunciation Square (now Square of Labor) was built specifically for Prince Nicholas - son of Emperor Nicholas I. The foundation of the building was laid in 1853 and the construction lasted for eight years.
history
to his third son to the place of the palace, Emperor Nicholas I chose personally.Develop the project was entrusted to A. Stakenschneider.His aides have become known in the Russian architects A. Lange and K. Ziegler.Supervised the construction of steel KATone, RA Zhelyazevich APBryullov.
place at Annunciation Square is not accidental was chosen for the palace.At this time she began to develop very rapidly, and soon turned into a beautiful and lively area of the city.The main decoration of the square was the Church of the Annunciation by architect Ton.
The construction
At the end of 1851 was declared the All-Russian competition for the best project of the palace for twenty Nicholas.The most successful was recognized as the option proposed by the architect Andrei Stackenschneider.
Nicholas Palace in St. Petersburg became not only a shelter for the prince, there were provided an arena, stables, living quarters for servants.The building occupied an area of two hectares.During the Crimean War, the construction stops.They will continue in 1856.Nicholas Palace in St. Petersburg was dedicated in December 1861.
Grand Duke died in 1890.For debts Nicholas Palace in St. Petersburg handed over to the Department of principalities.In other words, the building became the property of the state.
Nicholas Palace - Description
In those days, it was equipped with the most technically Palace.It was already sewerage, electricity, telegraph.Special mention should elaborate heating system.It consisted of 70 fireplaces, and a large number of Dutch (tile) and Russian ovens.Above all (92) tubes were lightning rods, which are grounded in the garden.In the center of the garden was located round the glacier.It was designed as a grotto.The material for its production served as a red Finnish granite.
Arena by an Arabic style, belonged to the palace.In it it was built two rooms for staff, as well as rooms where the exhibition of purebred dogs, pedigree cattle and horses.I must say that the Grand Duke was a member of many sports and agricultural societies.
Nicholas Palace in St. Petersburg has a rectangular shape.For facade Stackenschneider used architectural techniques in the style of the Italian Renaissance.During this time, I came into vogue eclecticism.A. Stakenschneider became one of the pioneers, who used it in St. Petersburg.
Each floor of the residence of architect singled original cornice.Basement short, decorated with pilasters and rusticated processed.Above the windows are located bas-reliefs, and under the windows - heavy console.Mezzanine is designed as a front - high windows in the Renaissance style and a large number of small wrought iron balconies.
Before the main entrance of the open-work fence was open area.Initially, a garden with flowers and trees have not been so clearly visible fountain - a portico with columns made of granite.In the eastern part of the palace is the home church.
The interior
Making lobby Stackenschneider used marble, which remained after the construction of St. Isaac's Cathedral.Mezzanine began with a white living room.
dance and banquet halls were in the northern part of the building.This is a very spacious room height of more than 17 meters.They are decorated with sculptural works.
Private apartments of the Grand Duke and his wife, on the idea of the architect, located in the eastern side of the Palace on the second floor.Windows quarters out on Horse Guards Boulevard and into the garden.They can be accessed through a separate entrance, located on the garden side.Directly from the apartment you could walk into a room duty adjutant, a billiard room, study, shtandartnuyu.
walls of almost all buildings were decorated with a variety of images of favorite prince horses.These animals were true passion Nicholas.He commanded the cavalry forces throughout Russia.
from the study were three doors to the balcony.
Lodging of Prince wife - Alexandra - side by side with bathrooms Nicholas.Cabinet Princess two windows overlook the garden and a balcony on the boulevard.From Alexandra could come out in the winter garden, bedchamber, boudoir.
Children's rooms were located on the first floor of the palace.In the north-west wing of the building there were rooms for teachers.There were also equipped guest rooms.
According to contemporaries, the Annunciation area has become much more beautiful from the moment it appeared as Nicholas Palace.Walking in St. Petersburg many residents have moved to this developing area.
Domestic Church
The history of this building.Once Duke Nicholas was in Rostov and saw extremely beautiful temple.The decision was taken quickly - such as the Church always had to be at his house.In 1863, the house church was built in the Nicholas Palace.It was opened to all comers.Consecrated the church was at the end of October 1863.
Women's Institute
As the source, while the city council argued about how to use the palace.As a result, it was decided to open its walls Women's Institute and name it in honor of the daughter of Emperor Kseninskim.
On the ground floor the office organized, friendly apartment institute director and faculty accommodations.
Training classes, it was decided to place on the second floor.The former stables have made the dining room, the arena turned into a bedroom.The Institute has worked quite successfully until 1917.
Palace
after the revolution in the history of this building (as, indeed, and many others) revolution has brought significant changes.In 1917 the decision was made and passed to the Petrograd Council of Trade Unions Nicholas Palace.Palace of Labor - so from then on became known as the building.
Domestic Church in 1999 was handed over to the Orthodox Church, and it resumed service.
During WWII Nicholas Palace in St. Petersburg was badly damaged.A few years after the Great Victory, he was completely rebuilt.
Palace today
Nicholas Palace in the Square of Labor in St. Petersburg is run by the Council of Trade Unions of the Northern capital.
great historical and cultural monument attracts many tourists.However, much of the palace premises rented for offices, banquets, folklore shows and so on. In spite of this, you have the opportunity to get into the Nicholas Palace in St. Petersburg.Excursions, exhibition of various exhibitions are held here regularly.On the history of the palace, his host will tell you experienced guides.
In addition, the luxurious rooms and lounges can celebrate a wedding, celebrate a birthday, hold a graduation party.The concert hall often conduct business meetings and presentations.
Reviews
After examining the opinions of people who have visited Nicholas Palace in St. Petersburg, we can conclude that the monumentalism of the palace and luxury make a great impression on the guests, but many believe that such a monument can not be turned into a cluster of offices, restaurants,etc.
