THE YUSUPOV PALACE

One of My Top Three Palaces

I have visited many palaces and castles in my travels but the Yusupov in St. Petersburg, Russia, is one of my three top favorites. It is positively magnificent!

The Yusupov represents a rare combination of architectural monument and a temple of art. The home of a wealthy family, the Palace is also noted for the murder of Rasputin in 1916.

We entered the Yusupov Palace, facing the Neva River, through the carriage entrance. Immediately I noticed the gorgeous large tapestries hanging on the wall, the crystal chandeliers and the marble floor.

The ceiling covered with gorgeous plaster reliefs and sculptures over the grand staircase was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Two large white marble lions with the head of Madam Pompadour lay on each side at the bottom of the wide marble staircase.  A fancy dress collar covering the shoulders was sculptured on each lion.

The Yusupov family was the richest in Russia. Five generations lived in the palace, the last being Felix who died at 54. Our guide said, “Perhaps this exquisite ceiling is the first prefab as it was created by French artisans and shipped to Russia in bits and pieces to be assembled here.”

I was mesmerized by all the beautiful ceilings in the palace. Some of the beautiful parquet floors were done in marble, and the wood ones had different designs in each room.

This private home with a great interior has an interesting history. It was the first building to have central heating, electricity, phone etc. The family had large land holdings and was very rich. The family collected over 1000 pieces of art and sculpture. Some of the originals are in the Hermitage collection so replicas have been placed in the home. One stateroom was built to accommodate the gift of four huge tapestries. I estimated that each tapestry measured at least 12 X 14 feet, and they were gorgeous! In one bedroom the color scheme of pink and blue was carried out even to the chandelier that had a blue ball in the center of pink crystals.

            The blue drawing room displayed the original 300-year-old wall coverings. Blue upholstery covered the furniture. The ceiling was painted with what appeared to be sculptures---ah the talent of the artist! In the center of the ceiling was painted decorated latticework.

The dancing hall revealed another beautiful ceiling with cherubs and pastel colors. Pastel flowers bordered the center square of the happy ceiling. Candle lights, set in gold holders, were placed about every six inches around the upper wall. In the center of the room hung a gorgeous crystal chandelier.

            On the way to the private theater we walked under a couple of long domed ceilings. The hallway's large windows and mirrors were placed between marble columns. The theater was a takeoff on La Scala in Italy. Maroon velvet dominated the inner space. Baroque gold was everywhere. Two balconies extended to the ceiling. Rococo best describes the décor of the theater. Chairs were French. The orchestra pit receded 8-10 feet below the stage.

            Extensive carving dominated the oak in the dining room. Even the chandelier was carved from one huge piece of wood! In the 1800s palaces generally had no fixed dining room as the table or tables were simply moved from room to room to accommodate the expected crowd or occasion.

I had never seen crystal spindles which I spotted in a banister. Nor had I seen unusual embossed leather wallpaper. French stain glass decorated a couple of reception rooms. A marble fountain resembling a Turkish bath sat in the middle of a very Moroccan-décor room.

I love it when I can find and see something new and different.  What a fabulous visit! It is definitely a must-see when one is in St. Petersburg.