29. Таврический Дворец – шедевр архитектуры классицизма/The Taurida Palace – the masterpiece of Classicism architecture, 1783-1789

Authors: architects - 1.Yе. Starov (1783 - 1789), 'F.I. Volkov (1792 – 1793), L.I. Ruska (1802- 1804), C.I. Rossi (1819)Address: Shpalernaya ulitsa, 47The Palace was built between 1783 and 1789 by I. Starov and is a bright example of Classicism. The edifice produces the impression of compositional clarity and simplicity. The central two-storey block is crowned with a low dome and connected to the two-storey wings by one-storey galleries. The austere simplicity of the facade is offset by a solemn splendour of the interior decor.The Palace was originally built for Prince Gregoriy Alexandrovich Potyomkin, Governor-general of Novorossiyskaya, Astrakhanskaya and Azovskaya gubcrniyas. Being Catherine Il's favourite he usually stayed at the Winter Palace but soon decided to build his own residence. The spot chosen for the construction was the place where the Connogvardeyskiy Regiment had once been located - there G. Polyomkin had started his military career. The architect whom the Prince invited was his former classmate from the Moscow gymnasia - 1. Starov. The Palace was originally called the Konnogvardcyskiy Mansion.The interior of the Palace included four main premises: she Hall, the Dame Hall, the Grand Gallery (the largest Palace apartment of 18^th cent. - 74.5 m wide and 14.9 m long), and the Winter Garden with the Rotunda (inside there was a marble statue of Catherine II to the design by I. Shubin).Prince Potyomkin spent about two years in his residence, for he had to be present at the South of Russia. On his return to Saint-Petersburg he used to organize lavish soirees. In 1790 he sold the Palace to the Treasury for 460 000 roubles and left for the South. Later after the victory in the Russo-Turkish War the Palace was presented to him by Catherine II who decided to grant him for the glorious victory. On 28 April 1791 a ceremonial dinner took place there with special meals for the poor people crowding in front of the Palace. Prince Potyomkin died on 5 October 1791 and the Palace was purchased by Catherine for 2 611 144 roubles.After Potyomkin's death Catherine 11 decided to rename the Palace and gave it the name of Taurida - the ancient name of the Crimea where G. Ponomkin became famous as a talented military man. The Empress ordered to transport her collection of sculpture from the Winter Palace to the Taurida Palace where it waslocated together with outstanding masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci. Raphael, etc.In 1792 - 1793 F. Volkov built up the portico to ihc main entrance, the railings of the main courtyard and the bridges over the ponds. On 25 April 1795 the daughter of Alexander Suvorov and the brother of Catherine IPs favourite P. Zubov were engaged there. On 3 December 1795 A. Suvorov moved into the Palace.When Paul I came to power he renamed the Palace and called it the castle having located there the Konnogvardcyskiy Regiment. All the treasures were taken away from the Palace, the Winter Garden was used for the stable, other premises served as headquarters. After Paul I was assassinated and Alexander I became Hmpcror he made ihe decision to restore a partially ruined Palace. The reconstruction work was supervised by L. Ruska (1802 - 1804). in 1819 changed by C. Rossi. N. Karamzin spent his last years in the former Taurida Palace and died there on 22 May 1826. After the fire in the Winter Palace numerous objects of art were kept there; later on pieces of out-of-date furniture and objects of art were mo\ed to the Palace.In 1890s me former Palace became the part of the Imperial Theatre ensemble. In 1906 Nicholas 11 gave it to the First Slate Duma. The interior decor of the edifice was rebuilt by P. Shestov. In 1917 the former Taurida Palace became the political centre of the country. The Permanent Government sieged in its walls, later the bol'shcviks held there meetings, during one of which the head of ihe Party M. Uritskiy was killed - as a result the Palace Square, the Taurida Palace and the Tobacco Factory were named alter him. Later on the Higher School of Party education had its quarters in the former Palace. Nowadays the Taurida Palace is the place where the International Economics Forum is held annually.