This elegant building whispers tales of a bygone era. This is the House of Princess N P Golitsyna. It stands proudly on Malaya Morskaya Street. Its history is intertwined with that of Russia’s glittering aristocracy. For centuries this house has witnessed the rise and fall of empires.
The House of Princess N P Golitsyna has a rich history. The first structure on this site dates back to the 1740s. It was a simple two-story house. It belonged to Prince Gagarin. Throughout the 18th century ownership changed. The building was gradually expanded and altered.
In 1790 the Golitsyn family made it their home. They arrived in St Petersburg from France. They were escaping the French Revolution. The most famous resident was Princess Natalia Petrovna Golitsyna. She was known as the Mustached Princess. She was a maid of honor to four emperors. Her life was filled with intrigue and high society drama. She was the inspiration for the old countess in Pushkin’s The Queen of Spades.
Pushkin himself was a frequent visitor. He lived next door. He knew the Princess well. He even mentioned her in his diary after the story’s release. He noted that the court recognized the resemblance between his character and the Princess. Surprisingly they were not offended.
After Princess Golitsyna’s death in 1838 the house was purchased. The military minister Count A I Chernyshov bought it. Subsequent renovations and reconstructions happened in the 19th and 20th centuries. Yet much of the original building remains.
Even the spiral staircase survives. Legend says Hermann used this staircase. He fled the House of Princess N P Golitsyna after meeting Lisa. The House of Princess N P Golitsyna continues to captivate visitors. It is a testament to Russia’s fascinating past. Its stories linger in the air. They are waiting to be rediscovered. They will enthrall you with the romance and intrigue of imperial Russia. The House of Princess N P Golitsyna is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living museum of history. It is a place where the past comes alive.