Елисаветинская богадельня

The Yelisavetinskaya Almshouse is a large brick building on Vasilievsky Island that provided residential accommodation and care for elderly and disabled people. The structure combines elements of Russian Renaissance with Art Nouveau details and houses its own chapel dedicated to Saint Elizabeth.

The Yelisev family built the facility in 1906 as a memorial to Elisabeth Grigoryevna Yeliseva and to provide shelter for those in need. During World War II, it transformed into a military hospital and served wounded soldiers instead of its original purpose.

The building bears the name of Saint Elizabeth, reflecting a tradition where wealthy families established such facilities as an expression of their responsibility toward the community. The architecture with its refined details shows how these institutions were designed not merely as shelters but as respectful spaces for their residents.

The building is accessible to visitors during regular opening hours, with guided tours available that cover the architecture and history. It is best to confirm beforehand whether tours are offered and which areas are open to the public.

The building houses its own church, which is less widely known than the institution itself, even though it is an integral part of the complex. This private chapel was specifically built for the residents and shows the importance of faith in the facility's original mission.

Location: Saint Petersburg

Founders: Pyotr Eliseevich Eliseev

GPS coordinates: 59.94342,30.28449

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:45