Fancy some architectural finesse? The Verkhnyaya Karaulka stands before us. This structure is a testament to St Petersburg’s rich history. The walls of the Verkhnyaya Karaulka are adorned with narrow Gothic windows. Its top is crowned with battlements and a toothed parapet. Architect A. Menelas designed it in 1827. The building boasts the coat of arms of Alexandria. It features a shield with a couched sword piercing a wreath of white roses. Poet V. A. Zhukovsky created this romantic heraldic emblem. You can see this coat of arms on all the main buildings of Alexandria.
In the second half of the 19th century, buildings appeared on the right side of the road. They were converted into summer residences. The old Karaulka was not demolished. In 1834, it was partially altered. A second floor was added according to the project by architect I. Charlemagne under the supervision of architect I. D. Duesar de Nevil. Before the revolution, this house was often used for summer residences of court medics.
The lions decorating the entrance to the Karaulka only appeared after World War II. V. V. Znamenov, the chief curator of Peterhof palaces and museums, discovered them. He transported them to Peterhof in July 1970. Interestingly, one of these pairs of lions served as supports for wooden columns. They supported the Lion Pavilion in Ekaterinhof in the 19th century.
The Verkhnyaya Karaulka’s design reflects St Petersburg’s architectural evolution. From Gothic windows to romantic emblems. From summer residences to post-war additions. The Verkhnyaya Karaulka embodies the city’s spirit. It stands as a reminder of the past. Its walls echo with stories of architects, poets and medics. The lions at the entrance add a touch of grandeur. They link the structure to other historical sites. The Verkhnyaya Karaulka is more than just a building. It is a piece of St Petersburg’s soul.