Twelve Collegia, Historic university building in Vasilievsky Island, Russia
Twelve Collegia is a monumental university building on Vasileostrovsky Island comprising twelve identical three-story sections separated by protruding central pavilions. The structure runs approximately 400 meters along Mendeleevskaya Line.
Construction began in 1722 under architect Domenico Trezzini and initially housed the administrative offices of Peter the Great's government departments. By the early 19th century, its purpose transformed into serving as the central structure of the university.
The Petrovsky Hall with its original high ceiling and decoration by the Rossi brothers from 1735 continues to host university ceremonies today. This space shows how the institution marks its most important moments.
The main entrance is located on University Embankment near Mendeleevskaya metro station. Public transport connections make the site easy to reach from central Petersburg.
The building sits perpendicular to the Neva River rather than parallel, a result of a planning conflict between Peter the Great and his advisor Menshikov. This unusual placement has shaped the cityscape ever since and reflects the political tensions of that era.
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