Yelagin Palace

Yelagin Palace is a neoclassical building in Saint Petersburg that spans three stories with a central dome at its core. The structure features grand staircases, spacious halls, and richly decorated rooms with ancient-style elements including Corinthian capitals and porticos.

Emperor Alexander I purchased the estate in 1818 for his mother Maria Feodorovna and commissioned architect Carlo Rossi to redesign the entire palace complex. This reconstruction transformed the site into one of the major architectural projects of that era.

The interior displays collections of art glass, porcelain, embroidery, and metal crafts that represent Russian decorative arts from the 18th and 19th centuries. These objects show the skill and taste of the Russian nobility during that period.

The palace operates as a museum offering guided tours through its rooms, while weddings and special events also take place there. Visitors should allow enough time to explore the interiors and check ahead about events that might affect their visit.

Cast iron lions guard the central staircase, serving as striking sentinels of this important circulation space. The oval hall with its caryatids and Ionic columns displays refined details that visitors often overlook when touring the building.

Location: Saint Petersburg

Inception: 1780s

Founders: Ivan Yelagin

Architects: Carlo Rossi, Giacomo Quarenghi

Part of: Yelagin Island

Website: https://elaginpark.org/central-park/dvortsovo-parkovyy-ansambl/elaginoostrovskiy-dvorets

GPS coordinates: 59.97931,30.27000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:03