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- Shpalernaya Street, 47
- 1783-89. Architect I. Starov
-
- The palace was put up by Catherine II for her
- favorite, Prince G.Potiomkin-Tavrichesky, in
- strictly classical style. The composition is
- markedly clear and simple. The two-story
- building is topped with a flat dome in the center,
- supported by a low drum; one-story galleries are
- linking it with the two-story side wings. The main
- entrance is marked with a monumental
- six-column portico. Plain walls, devoid of any
- decoration are cut through by tall windows. A low
- fence separates the front courtyard from the
- street; it was put up in 1792-93 to a design by
- the architect F.Volkov. Refined discreetness and
- simplicity of the facades was in sharp contrast
- with the grandeur of interior decoration. The
- palace was designed for holding lavish
- receptions. Especially impressive is the rotunda
- generously ornamented with stucco moulding,
- that follows the main entrance-hall and is joined
- to the White Column Hall by means of a wide
- doorway. The hall was followed by a winter
-