“House with Moors” they call it. Today we are standing before the Kochubey Mansion. It is also known as the \u041a\u043e\u0444\u0438\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0439 \u0434\u043e\u043c. This architectural masterpiece stands as a superb example of mid-19th-century design.
The \u041a\u043e\u0444\u0438\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0439 \u0434\u043e\u043c was built for Prince Mikhail Kochubey. He lived from 1816 to 1876. The mansion was completed in 1857. Harald von Bosse designed it in the Renaissance Revival style. This style was fashionable at the time.
Facing Konnogvardeyskiy Bulvar, the \u041a\u043e\u0444\u0438\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0439 \u0434\u043e\u043c initially presented a two-story facade. It included a half-basement covered by arches. From the courtyard, the facade appeared as three stories. The exterior was adorned with a granite base. Three balconies and a cast-iron porch added to its charm.
The \u041a\u043e\u0444\u0438\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0439 \u0434\u043e\u043c was fitted with the latest engineering technology. It featured a hypercaust system for circulating hot air. Running water and bathrooms were also included.
The interiors matched the artistic value of the facades. Bosse excelled in interior design. His plasterwork, caryatids, and carved oak doors still survive. Fireplaces executed to his designs are present in various rooms.
In the 1860s, Fyodor Rodokanaki acquired the house. He was a leading merchant of Greek-Ukrainian origin. Rodokanaki altered some rooms. Bosse’s winter garden became a formal dining hall.
In 1917, the Bolshevik military tribunal seized the \u041a\u043e\u0444\u0438\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0439 \u0434\u043e\u043c. The basements became the site where the fates of many Petersburgers were decided.
Later, in the 1960s, the “Institute of Beauty” occupied the building. This beauty clinic caused serious damage to the historic interiors. Full restoration began in 1993. The formal staircase was resurrected. The formal and oak dining halls regained their splendor. The malachite drawing room was also restored. Dancing and music halls were renovated. The library was returned to its former glory. Other rooms were also painstakingly brought back to life.
Today, the Kochubeyev Mansion stands as one of St. Petersburg’s foremost architectural masterpieces. The building hosts banquets and conferences. Seminars and celebrations take place here regularly. You can visit the mansion’s reception rooms. Join an organized tour group. Or be a guest at one of the events. The \u041a\u043e\u0444\u0438\u0448\u0435\u043d\u0441\u043a\u0438\u0439 \u0434\u043e\u043c has truly reclaimed its place in the city’s heart.