Quarters of the Pavlovsky Lifeguards Regiment

The Quarters of the Pavlovsky Lifeguards Regiment is a military palace on Millionnaya Street in Saint Petersburg. The 150-meter long facade displays three monumental columned porticoes with martial friezes in the classical style of early 19th century Russia.

The building was constructed between 1817 and 1819 under architect Vasily Stasov's design. It replaced the former palace of Princess Elizaveta Petrovna, who had moved to the Winter Palace.

The name refers to the Pavlovsky Lifeguards who were stationed here as symbols of imperial loyalty. The chapel inside with its Ionic columns shows how religious and military functions coexisted within this space.

The building stands on the west side of the Field of Mars and is reachable from Nevsky Prospekt metro station by crossing the Moyka River. The classical facade is clearly visible from the street, though the interior is not regularly open to visitors.

The Pavlovsky Lifeguards stationed here switched sides during the October Revolution and helped storm the Winter Palace. This surprising turn by an elite imperial unit marked a pivotal moment in Russian history.

Location: Saint Petersburg

Founders: Alexander Ivanovich Ostermann-Tolstoy

Architectural style: classicism

GPS coordinates: 59.94400,30.32780

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49