See that striking pink palace before us? That’s the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace. It stands proudly at the intersection of Nevsky Prospekt and the Fontanka River.
This Neo-Baroque masterpiece has a rich history. The first Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace was built in 1747. Prince Mikhail Andreevich Beloselsky commissioned it. The palace was much smaller then. It was designed in the French style.
Later, Prince Alexander Mikhailovich Beloselsky extended the building. He was a close friend of Paul I of Russia. Paul I revived the title of Princes of Belozersk for Alexander. Thus, the family became known as Beloselsky-Belozersky.
Alexander’s wife, Anna Grigorievna, inherited a great fortune. This allowed further expansion of the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace. The family even purchased Krestovsky Island.
Princess Elena Pavlovna Beloselskaya-Belozerskaya gave the palace its lavish appearance. She commissioned a complete rebuild in 1846. Andreas Stackensneider, the court architect of Nicholas I, designed it. The Emperor had to grant special permission for this private commission.
Upon its reopening, the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace became famous. It was known for lavish balls and concerts. Elena Pavlovna was celebrated as the best hostess in St. Petersburg.
Some say the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace resembles the Stroganov Palace. David Jensen was asked to produce a replica of it. The palace acquired a dazzling Rococo appearance. It featured a piano nobile and a concert hall.
Prince Konstantin Esperovich Beloselsky-Belozersky inherited the palace later. He decided to sell it. The palace was a huge drain on the family resources.
Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich bought the palace in 1883. It became his principal residence. He gave the palace its present red exterior. The interior was remodeled. A vast library and a Slavic revival chapel were added.
Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich was assassinated in 1905. The palace then belonged to his widow. She became a nun and willed the palace to Grand Duke Dmitri.
During World War I, the palace housed the Anglo-Russian Hospital. British doctors and nurses treated Russian soldiers here.
Grand Duke Dmitry sold the palace before the Russian Revolution. It was nationalized and housed a regional Soviet. In 1991, it became a municipal cultural center.
The Rococo interiors suffered damage during World War II. They were restored in 1954. Now, the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace hosts chamber concerts. It also hosts a wax works exhibition.
A fire broke out in the palace’s roof in 2012. Damage was contained to the attic. Concerts and events continue to take place here. The Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace is now the property of St. Petersburg.
Today, the Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace stands as a testament to opulence and history. Its walls whisper tales of princes, grand dukes, and revolutions. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Imagine the lavish parties and historical events that unfolded within these very walls.