46 Magnificent Russian Palaces and Mansions (Photos)

Russian palaces are both magnificent and repugnant. They’re magnificent because of their opulence, scale and luxury. They’re repugnant because they’re a reminder of the brutal serfdom that infested the society for hundreds of years.

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

After all, a lone palace owner couldn’t care for such homes… it required an army of virtual slaves who worked day and night all of their life so that one family could live in luxury. Without a doubt, the famous Russian Wooden palace seen above and below is my favorite Russian palace. The design, craftsmanship and scale is second-to-none.

While most palaces were constructed of brick and stone, the Wooden palace bucked the trend yet does not lack in opulence and splendor. While some of the Russian palaces are unique, most emulate many of the palaces and manor houses built throughout Europe. One distinction though is the influence of Asian design in the architecture.

Sit back and enjoy the splendor from years ago, yet being mindful of the great suffering endured by millions of people to construct and maintain these homes. FYI – I don’t mean to single out Russian monarchs and nobility as the only oppressive system… oppression ruled the day throughout Europe and much of the world. Moreover, while we like to think we’ve come a long way since serfdom, capitalism results in its own form of economic slavery.

1. Catherine Palace

Queen Ekaterina’s residence palace, known as the Catherine Palace is a Rococo architecture located in the town of Tsarskoye Selo, St. Petersburg, Russia. Originally built in 1717 designed by architect Johann-Friedrich Braunstein, the palace originally served as a summer palace for Catherine I of Russia.

About the Catherine Palace

• Where: St. Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1717
• Who built it: Catherine I of Russia
• Style: Rococo architecture
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: City of St. Petersburg

2. Petrovsky Palace

Designed by the famous Russian architect Matvei Kazakov, Petrovsky Palace was built for Catherine the Great in 1775-1782. The palace remained a royal residence until 1918 before it became the Zhukovsky Air Force Academy. During the late 20th century, the palace was closed for reconstruction and was opened again in 2009 by Moscow Mayor Yuri Lushkov to serve as the House of Receptions of the Government of Moscow.

About the Petrovsky Palace

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 1775-1782
• Who built it: Catherine the Great
• Style: Russian Neoclassical style
• What is it now? House of Receptions of the Government of Moscow
• Current owner: City of Moscow

3. Travel Palace

Emperor Peter the Great’s Travel Palace was built in the 18th century. Located in St. Petersburg, the palace was Peter’s residence during his trips from St. Petersburg to Kronstadt. Currently, it houses a museum maintained by the City of St. Petersburg.

About the Travel Palace

• Where: St. Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1707
• Who built it: Emperor Peter I
• Style: –
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: City of St. Petersburg

4. Priory Palace

Priory Palace was built in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, on the shore of the “Black Lake”, and was originally constructed to serve for only twenty years, however, it became the former residence of the Russian emperors for several years. It was erected in 1799 following the design of architect Nikolai Alexandrovich Lvov. The design was specially made for the prior of the Maltese Order, but it was presented to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem by a decree of Paul I instead and never became a priory.

About the Priory Palace

• Where: St. Petersburg, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Emperor Peter I
• Style: Pseudo-Gothic style
• What is it now? Museum / Open to visitors
• Current owner: City of St. Petersburg

5. Predjama Castle

A Renaissance castle built within a cave mouth in south-central Slovenia, Predjama Castle was originally designed as a Gothic castle by the Patriarch of Aquileia. The castle then became known as the seat of the knight Erasmus of Lueg, taking the name Luegg from there. It was sieged in the early 16th century and fell into the hands of a few families before it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style.

The castle then served as the favorite summer residences of the Cobenzl family and after the Second World War, it was acquired by the Yugoslav Communist authorities and turned into a museum.

About the Predjama Castle

• Where: Predjama, Slovenia
• When: 13th century
• Who built it: Patriarch of Aquileia
• Style: Gothic style / Renaissance style
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: Yugoslav Communist authorities

6. Ostankino Palace

Located in Moscow, Ostankino Palace is a former summer residence and private opera theatre of Sheremetev family. It was built by Nikolai Sheremetev and opened the theatre in the summer of 1795. However, Nikolai was summoned by Paul I to Saint-Petersburg in 1796 as one of the highest statesmen.

He had to live most his time in St. Petersburg, so his wife, former actress Praskovya Kovaleva-Zhemchugova took control of the theatre and later on the company was disbanded. Today, the Soviet government claimed the castle and turned it into the National Museum of Serf Art.

About the Ostankino Palace

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Nikolai Sheremetev
• Style: Renaissance style
• What is it now? National Museum of Serf Art
• Current owner: Soviet Government

7. Ramon Palace

Located in Ramon, Russia, Ramon Palace, also known as Princess Oldenburg’s Palace is a red-brick neo-Gothic building constructed in 1883-1887 for Duke Alexander Petrovich of Oldenburg and his wife Princess Eugenia Maximilianovna of Leuchtenberg. The couple received the castle from Princess Eugenia’s uncle, Tsar Alexander II as a wedding gift. The Oldenburg family had to abandon the castle as they were forced into exile to avoid the Russian revolution in the early 20th century.

The castle then fell into disrepair and was closed for restoration. It was reopened in 2013.

About the Ramon Palace

• Where: Ramon, Russia
• When: 1883-1887
• Who built it: Duke Alexander Petrovich of Oldenburg and his wife Princess Eugenia Maximilianovna of Leuchtenberg
• Style: Neo-Gothic style
• What is it now? Russian cultural landmark
• Current owner: Private owner

8. Mikhailovsky Palace

The Mikhailovsky Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia is a grand ducal palace and a great example of Empire style neoclassicism. It was planned to be constructed to serve as Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich’s residence. He was the youngest son of Emperor Paul I.

However, Emperor Paul was overthrown and killed before the Mikhailovsky’s construction had started. Michael’s elder brother assumed Emperor Paul’s throne as Alexander I. At the behest of Alexander I, Mikhailovsky Palace’s construction was planned again, this time, following the design of Carlo Rossi.

The Emperor gave the castle to Grand Duke Michael and his new wife, Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna as a gift in 1825. Over the years of their residency in the castle, the family made several modifications and improvements to it. In 1894, the palace came into the hands of another family, the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz upon the death of Grand Duchess Catherine Mikhailovna, Grand Duke Michael’s daughter.

Fearing that the Romanov family might acquire the palace, Emperor Alexander III decided to buy it back. The Mikhailovsky Palace would, later on, become the Russian Museum.

About the Mikhailovsky Palace

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1883-1887
• Who built it: Alexander I
• Style: Empire style neoclassicism
• What is it now? Russian Museum
• Current owner: City of Saint Petersburg

9. Swallow’s Nest

The Swallow’s Nest is a decorative castle and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Crimea. This castle replaced the original building at the site, a small wooden cottage of a Russian general. The cottage was passed to A. K.

Tobin, a court doctor to the Russian Tsar. From Tobin, the cottage was bought by Baron von Stiengel, the one who constructed the Neo-Gothic manor that still stands to this day. Constructed on the top of the Aurora cliff overlooking the sea, outside of the town of Gaspra, the Swallow’s Nest was deemed as one of the most wonderful castles and palaces in the world.

About the Swallows Nest

• Where: Crimea, Ukraine
• When: 20th century
• Who built it: Baron von Stiengel
• Style: Neo-Gothic style
• What is it now? Tourist attraction
• Current owner: Republic of Crimea

10. Kadriorg Palace

A Petrine Baroque palace built for Catherine I of Russia by Peter the Great in Tallinn, Estonia, Kadriorg Palace was constructed in 1718-1725. When Peter died, Catherine showed no interest in the property, however, she still visited the palace sporadically. It was then became the house of the civilian governor of the Governorate of Estonia, and after the declaration of independence of Estonia in 1919, Kadriorg Palace became state property. Today, houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, the branch of the Art Museum of Estonia.

About the Kadriorg Palace

• Where: Tallinn, Estonia
• When: 1718-1725
• Who built it: Peter the Great for Catherine I of Russia
• Style: Petrine Baroque style
• What is it now? Kadriorg Art Museum
• Current owner: Republic of Estonia

11. Gatchina Palace 

The Great Gatchina Palace is one of the favorite residences of the Russian Imperial Family. It was designed by Antonio Rinaldi for Count Grigori Grigoryevich Orlov and was built between 1766-1781. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site museum and its park is open to the public maintained by the Russian government.

About the Gatchina Palace

• Where: Gatchina, Russia
• When: 1766-1781
• Who built it: Count Grigori Grigoryevich Orlov
• Style: Russian classicism style
• What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Museum
• Current owner: Russian Government

12. Konstantin Palace

Located in Saint-Petersburg, Konstantin Palace was founded by Peter the Great in 1715. It is known as the former residence of grand dukes of the House of Romanovs and the revived monument of the Russian architecture of the 18th century. Before it became a tourist attraction, this palace was the Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence and will always be known as the “Palace of Putin”.

About the Konstantin Palace

• Where: Saint-Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1715
• Who built it: Peter the Great
• Style: Russian classicism style
• What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Museum
• Current owner: Russian Government

13. Marienthal Palace

Castle BIP, previously known as Marienthal Palace was the Bastion of Emperor Paul built in 1795 to 1797 following the design of architect C. F. Brenna. It was included in the military register of fortresses of the Russian Empire and in 1807-1810, the castle served as the first Russian School for the deaf. The castle was then neglected after the Second World War, then it was renovated by the Russian government and turned it into a hotel and restaurant.

About the Marienthal Palace

• Where: Saint-Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1795-1797
• Who built it: Emperor Paul
• Style: –
• What is it now? 5-star Hotel and Restaurant
• Current owner: Russian Government

14. Peterhof’s Grand Palace

The Peterhof’s Grand Palace was designed to be the centerpiece of Peter the Greats “Russian Versaille”. Designed by Jean-Baptiste Le Blond, it was built between 1714-1721 at the behest of Peter himself. This Baroque palace is recognized as part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the Peterhof’s Grand Palace

• Where: Saint-Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1714-1721
• Who built it: Jean-Baptiste Le Blond
• Style: Baroque architecture
• What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Current owner: Russian Government

15. Maryino Manor

Maryino Manor is one of the most outstanding national monuments of the 19th century built by architect K. Hoffman in 1811-1820. It was the former manor of Prince Baryatinskih and now, it serves as a luxury spa hotel surrounded by a romantic park.

About the Maryino Manor

• Where: Saint-Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1811-1820
• Who built it: architect K. Hoffman
• Style: Baroque architecture
• What is it now? Luxury spa hotel
• Current owner: Unclear

16. Vorontsov Palace

The Vorontsov Palace, also known as the Alupka Palace was built between 1828 and 1848 for Russian Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov to serve as his personal summer residence. It was designed by English architect Edward Blore and his assistant William Hunt in Renaissance style. The palace is one of the oldest and largest palaces in Crimea and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Crimea’s southern coast.

About the Vorontsov Palace

• Where: Alupka, Crimea
• When: 1828-1848
• Who built it: Russian Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov
• Style: Renaissance style
• What is it now? Tourist attraction
• Current owner: Republic of Crimea

17. Massandra Palace

The Massandra Palace is the Châteauesque villa of Emperor Alexander III of Russia. It was built in the late 19th century designed by French architect Étienne Bouchard in the Louis XIII style at the behest of Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov son, Semyon Mikhailovich. When Prince Semyon Mikhailovich Vorontsov died, the palace was bought by the Russian Imperial Domains Agency for Alexander III of Russia, who commissioned his favorite architect Maximilian Messmacher to modify and improve the estate.

Today, it is open for guided tours maintained by the Republic of Crimea.

About the Massandra Palace

• Where: Massandra, Crimea
• When: 19th century
• Who built it: Architect Étienne Bouchard
• Style: Louis XIII style
• What is it now? Tourist attraction / Open for guided tours
• Current owner: Republic of Crimea

18. Winter Palace

The Winter Palace was originally built in 1708 for Peter the Great and his family. This original Dutch-style wooden house was reconstructed for years until the final Baroque version was completed in 1735 by architect Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli for Empress Anna. Rastrelli’s design impressed Empress Anna’s successor, Grand Duchess Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great. She commissioned Rastrelli to made improvements and modifications to the castle, in what came to be known as the Elizabethan Baroque style.

This former official residence of the Russian Emperors is now part of the Hermitage art museum.

About the Winter Palace

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1708
• Who built it: Peter the Great
• Style: Baroque architecture / Elizabethan Baroque style
• What is it now? Hermitage art museum / Open to the public
• Current owner: Russian Government

19. Yelagin Palace

Yelagin Palace was designed by the architect Carlo Rossi for Alexander’s mother, Maria Fyodorovna. It was built in Palladian style architecture during the rule of Catherine the Great and served as a royal summer palace during the reign of Alexander I. When Maria Fyodorovna died, the palace stopped being the residence of the imperial family.

It was deserted for some time until Nicholas II leased it to his prime ministers. Yelagin Palace was reconstructed in the mid 20th century and today, it houses a museum.

About the Yelagin Palace

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1822
• Who built it: Architect Carlo Rossi
• Style: Palladian style
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: Russian Government

20. Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich

The wooden palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was built in 1667 without using any fasten materials, nails or hooks. The palace is divided into two parts, the male and the female parts. The male part houses the ceremonial chambers, chambers of the Tsar and of his sons, while the female part belonged to the Tsarina and to the Tsar’s daughters.

This palace was rebuilt after Alexei Mikhailovich died. It gradually fell into decay during the 18th century and in Catherine the Great’s reign, the Empress ordered its demolition, however, it is already in ruined form. Two centuries later, the Russian government ordered its reconstruction and was turned into a museum.

About the Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 1667
• Who built it: Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich
• Style: –
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: Russian Government

21. Izmailovsky

Kremlin literally means “fortress” or “citadel” in Russian. However, Izmailovsky Kremlin wasn’t built to serve as a defensive fortress but as a cultural and entertainment complex. This complex was completed in 2007 and includes a replica of the wooden summer palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, together with other 18th century Russian architectures.

Izmailovsky Kremlin houses multiple museums that are open to the public.

About the Izmailovsky

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 2007
• Who built it: Unclear
• Style: –
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: Russian Government

22. Tsaritsyno Palace

A palace museum and park reserve in the south of Moscow, Tsaritsyno Palace was founded in 1776 by the order of Catherine the Great. Commissioning the greatest Russian architect Vasily Bazhenov, this Pseudo-Gothic summer home of Catherine the Great was never completed and remained untouched for more than 200 years after the Empress died. It was completed in 2005-2007 after extensive rebuilding was done.

Today, it houses a museum maintained by the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve.

About the Tsaritsyno Palace

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 1776
• Who built it: Catherine the Great
• Style: Pseudo-Gothic style
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve

23. Moscow Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin was originally built in 1156, but this building no longer exists today. The oldest surviving building of the Kremlin dates back from the 14th century and was rebuilt in red bricks by the Italian architects in the following century. It has been remodeled numerous times and its various architectural styles include Byzantine, Russian Baroque, and classical styles.

During the reign of the Soviet Union, Moscow Kremlin served as the headquarters of Vladimir Lenin and the Soviet government. After the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, it became the executive headquarters of the Russian Federation. Kremlin is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the Moscow Kremlin

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 14th century
• Who built it: Unknown
• Style: Byzantine style / Russian Baroque architecture / Russian classicism style
• What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Executive headquarters of the Russian Federation
• Current owner: Russian Government

24. Smolny Palace 

The Smolny Palace was originally built in 1708 for Peter the Great and his family. This original Dutch-style wooden house was reconstructed for years until the final Baroque version was completed in 1735 by architect Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli for Empress Anna. Rastrelli’s design impressed Empress Anna’s successor, Grand Duchess Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great. She commissioned Rastrelli to made improvements and modifications to the castle, in what came to be known as the Elizabethan Baroque style.

This former official residence of the Russian Emperors is now part of the Hermitage art museum.

About the Smolny Palace

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1708
• Who built it: Peter the Great
• Style: Baroque architecture / Elizabethan Baroque style
• What is it now? Hermitage art museum / Open to the public
• Current owner: Russian Government

25. Sevastyanov’s House

Sevastyanov’s House was originally built in 1817, however, when Nikolay Sevastyanov, a successful businessman acquired the castle, he put almost all his wealth onto the house’s extension and decoration. He commissioned architect A. I. Paduchev to combine the Moorish and Gothic styles and the result of the work was the stunning Sevastyanov`s House.

Sevastyanov owned the house until 1880 when he was promoted and had to move to Saint Petersburg. He sold his house to the treasury and then it was acquired by the district court, Commissariat for labor and trade unions. In 2008, it became the Residence of the President of the Russian Federation in Yekaterinburg until 2010 and now, the house’s purpose and owner are still unclear.

About the Sevastyanov’s House

• Where: Ekaterinburg, Russia
• When: 19th century
• Who built it: Nikolay Sevastyanov
• Style: Gothic style/Moorish architecture
• What is it now? Unclear
• Current owner: Russian Government

26. Pavlovsk Palace

Pavlovsk Palace was built at the behest of Catherine the Great for her son, Grand Duke Paul and his wife, Maria Feodorovna. When the Empress died, Paul succeeded her throne and decided to expand the Pavlovsk into a palace suitable for a royal residence. When Emperor Paul died, Empress Maria continue living in the palace.

She died in 1828 two weeks after her 67th birthday. The palace was given to her younger son, Michael and from there, it was succeeded by Konstantine Konstantinovich, who made it clear in his last will that the palace must be turned into a family museum. The successors respected his final will and the palace was turned into a museum.

About the Pavlovsk Palace

• Where: Saint-Petersburg, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Catherine the Great
• Style: Palladian architecture
• What is it now? Russian State Museum and Public Park
• Current owner: Russian Government

27. Pashkov House

A neoclassical mansion that stands on a hill overlooking the western wall of the Moscow Kremlin, Pashkov House was built in 1784—1786 by a Muscovite nobleman, Pyotr Pashkov. Believed to be designed by Vasili Bazhenov, Its classicism style are so magnificent that it became a landmark of Moscow as soon as it was completed. The house served as home to the Rumyantsev Museum, Moscow’s first public museum in the 19th century.

Today, it is under the care of home to the Russian State Library.

About the Pashkov House

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When:1784-1786
• Who built it:Muscovite nobleman, Pyotr Pashkov
• Style:Classicism style
• What is it now? Office of the Russian State Library
• Current owner:Russian State Library

28. The Opera House

Bazhenov’s Opera House was built by Vasily Bazhenov himself in 1776-1778. One of the three buildings in Tsaritsyno that the architect designed, Opera House was the middle one, or the medium palace that the Russian Empress Catherine II had commissioned. Currently, it is part of the Tsaritsyno park and museum that are being managed by the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve.

About the Opera House

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 1776-1778
• Who built it: Vasily Bazhenov
• Style:–
• What is it now? Tsaritsyno park and museum
• Current owner: Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve

29. Kuskovo Palace

Built in the mid-18th century, Kuskovo was the summer country house and estate of the Sheremetev family. The palace was commissioned by Petr Borisovich Sheremetev, the son of Boris Petrovich Sheremetev, a Russian Field Marshal directly under Peter the Great. This Neoclassical beauty was one of the first great summer country estates of the Russian nobility and today, it serves as the home of the Russian State Museum of Ceramics.

About the Kuskovo Palace

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When:18th century
• Who built it: Petr Borisovich Sheremetev
• Style:Neoclassical style
• What is it now? Home of the Russian State Museum of Ceramics
• Current owner: Russian State Museum of Ceramics

30. House of the Unions

The House of the Unions, also known as Palace of ‘the Unions was constructed by Russian architect Matvey Kazakov in 1784 and 1787. The Moscow Assembly of the Nobility, the group who commissioned Kasakov wanted the house to serve as a Ball venue for the Russian nobility. The house acquired its name from the Moscow Council of Trade Unions when it was assigned to them after the October Revolution.

About the House of the Unions

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Architect Matvey Kazakov
• Style:–
• What is it now? Concert venue
• Current owner: Russian Government

31. Oranienbaum

Located on the Gulf of Finland west of St. Petersburg, Oranienbaum is a Russian royal residence built in the 18th century. Aleksandr Danilovich Menshikov, the right-hand man of Peter the Great commissioned the same architects who built his official residence, The Grand Menshikov Palace, architects Giovanni Maria Fontana and Gottfried Schädel to construct the Oranienbaum. Menshikov died in exile shortly after the death of Peter.

The ownership was passed onto Grand Duke Peter Fedorovitch, the heir of Empress Elizabeth as his summer residence. During this time, Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli remodeled the Oranienbaum in Baroque architecture.

About the Oranienbaum

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Aleksandr Danilovich Menshikov
• Style: Baroque architecture
• What is it now? Historical Center of the Town of Lomonosov / UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Current owner: Town of Lomonosov

32. Petrovsky Travellers Palace

The Petrovsky Travellers Palace was designed in the Russian gothic style by the architect Matvey Kazakov. Kazakov built it in the late 18th century for Empress Catherine the Great to serve as her imperial residence when traveling from St Petersburg to Moscow. Today, the palace is converted into a luxury hotel called Petroff Palace Hotel.

About the Petrovsky Travellers Palace

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Architect Matvey Kazakov
• Style: Russian Neo-Gothic style
• What is it now? Petroff Palace Hotel
• Current owner: Russian Government

33. Nikolay Durasov’s Palace

Nikolay Durasov’s palace in Lyublino was originally built by a famous Godunov family in the 1680s. The palace was named after the owner’s family name, but later on, renamed to Lyublino by the next owners. It was reconstructed in the 18th century by the French architect Jean-Francois Neufforges, however, when the estate came into the ownership of Nikolay Durasov, it was once again remodeled and fully reconstructed into his own palace in the 19th century.

About the Nikolay Durasov’s Palace

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 19th century
• Who built it: Nikolay Durasov
• Style: –
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: Unclear

34. Menshikov Palace

Menshikov Palace is a Petrine Baroque edifice in Saint Petersburg was founded in 1710 to serve as a residence of Saint Petersburg Governor General Alexander Menshikov. It was designed by two architects, first was the Italian architect Giovanni Maria Fontana then followed by German architect Gottfried Johann Schädel. It is now open to the public as a branch of the Hermitage Museum.

About the Menshikov Palace

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 1710-1727
• Who built it: Governor General Alexander Menshikov
• Style: Petrine Baroque style
• What is it now? Open to the public
• Current owner: City of Saint Petersburg

35. The Chinese Palace

The Chinese Palace is situated inside the Oranienbaum of Aleksandr Danilovich Menshikov in Lomonosov. This building was designed and built by Antonio Rinaldi between 1762 and 1768 following the order by Catherine the Great. It features a mix of Baroque architecture, Classicism style, and Chinese motifs.

About the Chinese Palace

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Antonio Rinaldi
• Style: Baroque architecture / Classicism style / Rococo architecture
• What is it now? Historical Center of the Town of Lomonosov / UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Current owner: Town of Lomonosov

36. The Katalnaya Gorka Pavilion

The Katalnaya Gorka Pavilion is part of the Oranienbaum by Aleksandr Danilovich Menshikov and was built at the behest of Catherine the Great in the 18th century. The building was renovated in Baroque architecture magnificently after it suffered some damages during the Second World War.

About the Katalnaya Gorka Pavilion

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When:18th century
• Who built it: Catherine the Great
• Style: Baroque architecture
• What is it now? Historical Center of the Town of Lomonosov / UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Current owner: Town of Lomonosov

37. Livadia Palace

Livadia Palace served as the summer retreat of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II, and his family in Livadiya, Crimea. It was built by architect Ippolito Monighetti in Italian Renaissance style where the Yalta Conference was held, hosting the dying US president Franklin Roosevelt and British prime minister Winston Churchill along with Premier Joseph Stalin in 1945. Today, the palace serves as a museum, but sometimes used as the venue for international summits.

About the Livadia Palace

• Where: Livadiya, Crimea
• When: 19th century
• Who built it: Ippolito Monighetti
• Style: Italian Renaissance style
• What is it now? Museum / Venue for international summits
• Current owner: Republic of Crimea

38. Izmaylovo Estate

Izmaylovo Estate served the House of Romanov as their country residence and was built during the reign of Alexis I of Russia. The Izmailovo Court of Tsar Alexis was a wooden palace built on an artificial island served as the heart of the estate. The other structures of the Court were built by Konstantin Thon and Mikhail Bykovsky in 1839–1859.

Currently, the court of the estate operates as a freely accessible open-air museum.

About the Izmaylovo Estate

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 17th century
• Who built it: Alexis I of Russia
• Style: –
• What is it now? Open-air museum
• Current owner: Russian Government

39. Hermitage Pavillion

The Hermitage Pavillion in Saint Petersburg was originally built in Peterhof at the behest of Peter the Great. It was designed and constructed by Johann Braunstein in 1721 to serve as an informal dining room for his closest associates. The building was completed shortly after Peter’s death.

Today, the Pavillion serves as a museum.

About the Hermitage Pavillion

• Where: Saint Petersburg, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Peter the Great
• Style:–
• What is it now? Museum
• Current owner: Russian Government

40. Griboedov Mansion

Griboedov Mansion came into the possession of Semyon Griboyedov at the end of the 17th century. It was formerly owned by the princely Buinosov-Rostovsky family during the 16th century. The property was then passed onto Fyodor Griboyedov who made a few remodeling in the estate and turned it into the present Baroque-style mansion.

Today, the mansion is open to the public owned by the Russian government.

About the Griboedov Mansion

• Where: Smolensk, Russia
• When: 17th century
• Who built it: Reconstructed by Fyodor Griboyedov
• Style: Baroque architecture
• What is it now? Open to the public
• Current owner: Russian Government

41. Gorki Leninskiye

Gorki Leninskiye belonged to various Muscovite noblemen from the 18th century until it was acquired by Zinaida Morozova, the widow of Savva Morozov in 1909. Zinaida commissioned Russian architect, Fyodor Schechtel to remodel the estate into a Neoclassical style, which is the present form of the property. Gorki Leninskiye was nationalized after the Soviet government moved to Moscow in 1918.

It was then converted into Vladimir Lenin’s dacha and lived there until his death in 1924.

About the Gorki Leninskiye

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: Unknown / Remodeled in the 20th century
• Who built it: Remodeled by Zinaida Morozova
• Style: Neoclassical style
• What is it now? State Museum-Reserve
• Current owner: Russian Government

42. Goncharov Estate

The Goncharov Estate’s construction was started in the 1780s by Aleksandr Zagryazhsky and his wife, Yekaterina. The estate was inherited by Aleksandr and Yekaterina’s granddaughter, Natalia, who later on married Nikolai Afansievich Goncharov. The property then carried Nikolai’s name and since then it was called the Goncharov Estate successively owned by the Goncharov family until it was confiscated from them by the Russian state.

Currently, the estate now houses a sanatorium while its grounds are open to the public.

About the Gontcharov Estate

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Aleksandr Zagryazhsky
• Style: –
• What is it now? Sanatorium
• Current owner: Russian Government

43. Arkhangelskoye Palace

A historical estate in Krasnogorsky District, Arkhangelskoye Palace was built in the 18th century and belonged to the Golitsyn family. It was designed in a neoclassical style by Jacob Guerne. Today, Arkhangelskoye is a popular tourist attraction and cultural events venue maintained by the Russian government.

About the Arkhangelskoye Palace

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 18th century
• Who built it: Golitsyn family
• Style: Neoclassical style
• What is it now? Tourist attraction / Cultural events venue
• Current owner: Russian Government

44. Durbes Castle

A Neoclassical manor house located in Tukums, Latvia, Durbe Manor is one of the most interesting classical manor houses in Latvia and was built in the 18th century. Ernst Karl Philip von Grothus used the manor as his summerhouse and from 1818 to 1838 the estate belonged to Count Medem who made major constructions to the property. It was then succeeded by a few nobles before it was acquired by famous Latvian writer and playwright Rainis.

Later on, the manor became part of Tukums city museum exhibition.

About the Durbes Castle

• Where:Tukums, Latvia
• When:18th century
• Who built it:Unclear
• Style:Neoclassical style
• What is it now?Museum
• Current owner:City of Tukums

45. Dubrovitsy Estate

The Dubrovitsy Estate was built in 1627, however, the house was constructed by Prince Boris Golitsyn’s grandson Sergey Alekseevich between 1750 and 1753. It was owned by the Morozov, Golitsyn, Potyomkin and Dmitriev-Mamonov noble families successively. The estate is famous for its Church of the Sign of the Most Holy Mother of God designed in European Baroque style, a rare sight to be seen in Russian architectural history.

About the Dubrovitsy Estate

• Where:Podolsk, Russia
• When:17th century
• Who built it:Unclear
• Style:European Baroque style
• What is it now?Church – open to the public
• Current owner:Russian Government

46. Arseny Morozov Mansion

Located in Moscow, Russia, Arseny Morozov House is inspired by the famous Pena National Palace in the Portuguese town of Sintra. It was built in 1895-1899 following the combination of Spanish-Moorish medieval architecture along with Manueline style by architect Victor Mazyrin for Arseny Abramovich Morozov. Today, it serves as the Reception House of the Government of the Russian Federation.

About the Arseny Morozov Mansion

• Where: Moscow, Russia
• When: 1895-1899
• Who built it: Arseny Abramovich Morozov
• Style: Spanish-Moorish architecture / Manueline style
• What is it now? Reception House of the Government of the Russian Federation
• Current owner: Russian Government