English Embankment 68, Palace of Grand Duke Pavel Alexandrovich

The palace on English Embankment showcases Renaissance Revival style through its granite walls, brick detailing, wrought iron features, and carved decorative reliefs. The carefully crafted exterior demonstrates the architectural skill and design principles used in its creation.

A wealthy Russian financier commissioned the building between 1859 and 1862 from a renowned architect. The construction incorporated walls from earlier structures, including the first stone building on this embankment from the early 1700s.

Inside, marble staircases, wooden wall panels, and original fireplaces reflect how the imperial elite lived. These preserved rooms show the refined taste and comfort expected in such aristocratic homes.

The building sits directly on the Neva River and is easy to reach, with a metro station nearby. From this location, visitors can explore the riverfront and access neighboring landmarks.

The construction was extraordinarily expensive for its time, reflecting the owner's considerable wealth. What makes it distinctive is that builders deliberately reused materials from previous structures, so the palace literally carries multiple centuries of riverfront history within its walls.