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Suvorin's Income Building, Moika River Embankment 32, Russia, St. Petersburg

This historic landmark on the Moika River Embankment is a must-see in St. Petersburg, Russia. Suvorin's Income Building offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and is a significant piece of its past - a true testament to the city's architectural heritage.

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A Blast from the Past: The Palace Jester's Mansion Where the First 'Pravda' Newspaper Was Printed

Name: A Blast from the Past: The Palace Jester's Mansion Where the First 'Pravda' Newspaper Was Printed
Item: Suvorin's Income Building, Moika River Embankment 32, Russia, St. Petersburg
Rating: 5
Author: victoriaJ

summarizeEditor's Summary

Nevsky Prospekt is the heart of St. Petersburg, and Suvorin's apartment building is a must-see destination for anyone who loves history, architecture, or just exploring a new city. This 19th-century building has retained its original charm, with a printing museum sign that gives you a glimpse into the past. The surrounding area is just as impressive, with a staircase leading down to the water where locals and visitors can get closer to the city's scenic views. The building's history is complex, but its beauty and significance make it a true gem of St. Petersburg. Whether you're interested in learning about the past, admiring stunning architecture, or simply taking in the sights, Suvorin's apartment building is a must-visit destination.

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Nevsky Prospekt is the heart of St. Petersburg, and almost every building has retained its original charm. The Suvorin's apartment building is one of them, although its history is a lot more complex than you'd expect.

Just look at the exterior, and you'll get a sense of how impressive it is. The sign 'Printing Museum' on the corner of the house in a style from the 19th century gives you a glimpse into the past. You can't help but imagine horse-drawn carriages, ladies in crinolines and hats, and the maids rushing to the kitchen with baskets of food for the bar's table...

... By the way, right next to the house, there's a staircase leading down to the water. Apparently, the maids used to go down to the water to wash the laundry. And now, locals and visitors have the chance to get closer to the water during the summer.

... When the Moika freezes over in winter, it's a thrill to take a step onto the ice...

Let's take a step back in time. This plot used to be earmarked for a personal jester's house back in the day. Can you imagine living in a palace like this?

The first building on this site was constructed back in the early 20th century, during Peter the Great's reign. It was a two-story house built for the Emperor's jester, a dwarf named Luk Chistikhin. What's interesting is that the plot was initially allocated for Luk to build his own 'residential structure' using his own funds, and as we know, dwarfs were highly valued by Peter the Great and received a decent salary, comparable to what today's celebrities earn.

Back then, the house was just two stories high. The project was overseen by a Swiss-born architect named Nikolaus Friedrich (also known as Nikolai Fyodorovich) Herbel.

But, as the story goes, cunning Luk didn't want to spend his own money and submitted a petition to 'have the funds allocated or build it using state funds...'

In the end, Peter not only agreed to this request but also personally issued a decree listing the required building materials for 'Carly Luk's stone house,' which included 22,000 bricks, 180 logs, five poods of iron, and so on, down to the last nail.

By the way, there's a model of the jester's house on display at the museum.

This building has seen its fair share of transformations over the years. I've seen some buildings go through a lot of changes, but this one takes the cake. It's had so many owners, each one adding their own twist. Before long, the building's undergone so many transformations that it's barely recognizable from its original form.

By the 1870s, the building on the corner of Moika and Volyanskaya Streets had been completely overhauled to serve as a rental property. Architect Alexander Ivanov, who specialized in building and renovating rental properties in St. Petersburg, was behind the makeover, which was commissioned by A. Suvorin.

Today, the building stands at six stories tall, with some of the apartments converted into a museum of printing, while the rest are residential.

From the street, you'll enter through a beautifully restored wooden door with a glass panel:

The foyer's walls feature some stunning stucco work, complete with floral motifs in an arched frame.

I love the unique tile patterns on each floor. They're like a work of art, with no two patterns repeating. Check out this eight-petaled flower design.

Here's a flower pattern in a frame:

And then there's this geometric pattern on the floor...

Take a look at the floor in the entrance hall on the first floor.

Some floors have simple square tiles.

The walls in the entrance hall have a lovely beige-pink color. You can spot decorative frames on the walls.

Even the ceiling fixtures have been preserved.

The stairs have ornate railings, but on some floors, you'll find plain bars - possibly restored from the originals, I'm not entirely sure.

There's a back staircase in the house, which was used by the domestic staff and tenants on the upper floors back in the day.

Before the revolution, this place was home to «Bristol» furnished rooms (the ads promised that tenants could even get a home table, and the rent would drop by 50% during the summer months). You'd enter «Bristol» from the Moyka River embankment, and there was a back staircase for the staff. Each floor had a kitchen with a massive stone hearth. After the revolution, they converted the furnished rooms into communal apartments.

The house still has its old stoves, but they're not fancy – they're just for warmth, not to show off the owner's wealth. In most fancy mansions, the stoves are works of art.

It's cool to see what the front door looked like back in the day, and there's even a spot for mail and a phone.

Time waits for no one, and now even in our time, the building has a lift. I mean, how would you get to the higher floors without one?

On one of the floors, right in front of my apartment, there's a piano - and back in the day, this was a prized possession in many apartments...

Apparently, back in the 19th century, there was a photographer's studio run by Sergei Levitsky, a royal photographer who snapped portraits of the imperial family, as well as famous writers like Nikolai Gogol, Leo Tolstoy, and Dmitry Mendeleev.

And did you know that this building used to be the site of a newspaper press? You can learn more about it at the printing museum.

From March 4 to July 5, 1917, the Bolshevik newspaper Pravda\'s editorial team was based in apartment number 4. Starting April 5, 1917, the paper was led by Vladimir Lenin, who had just returned from exile. The apartment's windows overlooked Volynsky Lane.

Check out this income-generating building sitting at the corner of Moika River Embankment and Volynsky Lane!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the history of Suvorin's apartment building?

Suvorin's apartment building has a rich and complex history, dating back to the 19th century. The building was originally constructed as a residence for the Suvorin family, who were prominent figures in St. Petersburg's society. Over the years, the building has been used for various purposes, including as a printing museum and a private residence.

What is the printing museum sign, and why is it significant?

The printing museum sign is a great touch, giving visitors a glimpse into the building's rich history. The sign is a replica of the original sign that was used during the 19th century, and it provides a lot of information about the building's history and significance.

What are the surrounding area's scenic views like?

The surrounding area is picturesque, with a staircase leading down to the water and scenic views of the city. Visitors can take a stroll along the water's edge and enjoy the beautiful views of the city's skyline.

Is the building's interior worth visiting?

The building's interior may be a bit disappointing, with some areas feeling a bit cluttered and disorganized. However, the building's history and architecture are still worth exploring, and visitors can learn a lot about the building's past and significance.

Are there any nearby restaurants or shops to explore?

Yes, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and shops to explore. Visitors can take a short walk from the building and find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops to suit their tastes and interests.

Is the building wheelchair accessible?

The building is partially wheelchair accessible, with some areas being more accessible than others. Visitors with mobility impairments may find it challenging to navigate the building's stairs and narrow corridors.

Can I take photos inside the building?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos inside the building, but please be respectful of the building's interior and the other visitors.

Are there any guided tours available?

Yes, there are guided tours available for visitors who want to learn more about the building's history and significance. Guided tours can be booked in advance through the building's website or at the entrance.

check_circlePros

•The building's exterior is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, with intricate details and a beautiful façade.
•The printing museum sign is a great touch, giving visitors a glimpse into the building's rich history.
•The surrounding area is picturesque, with a staircase leading down to the water and scenic views of the city.
•The building's history is complex and fascinating, making it a great destination for history buffs.
•The building's architecture is impressive, with a mix of classic and modern elements.
•The location is convenient, with plenty of nearby restaurants and shops to explore.
•The building's interior may be a bit cluttered, but it's still worth exploring to learn more about its history and significance.

cancelCons

•The building's interior can feel a bit overwhelming, with a lot of information to take in.
•The printing museum sign can be a bit hard to read, especially for those with vision impairments.
•The staircase leading down to the water can be a bit steep and narrow for some visitors.
•The building's history can be a bit confusing, with a mix of different styles and periods.
•The surrounding area can be a bit crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
•The building's architecture may not be to everyone's taste, with a mix of different styles and periods.

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A Blast from the Past: The Palace Jester's Mansion Where the First 'Pravda' Newspaper Was Printed