Petrov Building, Architectural monument on Fontanka River Embankment in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The Petrov Building is a three-story cylindrical structure on Fontanka River Embankment with rusticated lower walls and a circular inner courtyard. Arched entrances lead to this courtyard, bringing natural light into all residential units throughout the structure.
Architect Joseph-Jean Charlemagne designed the building in 1822 for merchant Ustinov, incorporating two existing structures into the new construction. This project emerged during the period when classicism shaped the city's architectural development.
The building served as home to writers and artists in the 19th century, making it part of the city's intellectual scene. Its location near other cultural hubs connected it to the creative circles of its era.
The building sits on a busy street with easy access by public transport and on foot. It is visible from the outside, but note that it remains a private residential building and the courtyard is not open to the public.
It stands as the only circular residential building in Saint Petersburg, featuring distinctive female masks above the second-floor windows. This unusual shape and decorative details make it a rare architectural experiment in the city.
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