
The Best Cities Around the World to Celebrate Pride
Pride is more than just rainbows and parades.
With a prime location on the corner of Nevksy Prospekt and the Moika River Embankment, the Stroganov Palace (Stroganovsky Dvorets) is one of the oldest aristocratic in St. Petersburg. Designed by renowned Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace is one of the best examples of late Baroque architecture in St. Petersburg. The light pink main façade faces Nevsky Prospekt and features a large entrance arch supported by two Corinthian columns that leads to an inner courtyard. Oak gates feature carvings of branches and lion’s heads, while windows are framed by cupid figures.
Today the palace houses part of the collection of the State Russian Museum and several rooms are open to the public, having been restored to their late 18th century appearance. The State Dining Room overlooks both Nevsky Prospekt and the River Moika and features large mirrors opposite the windows to create the illusion of a room much larger than it actually is. The Large Ballroom is simply grand, with glittering chandeliers, parquet floors made of exotic woods, stucco molding and patterned balcony railings, as well as a large painting by Valeriani. The Mineral Study, restored in 2005, is considered one of the masterpieces of 18th century Russian architecture.
In the center of St. Petersburg, the Stroganov Palace is likely walkable from many popular tourist hotels. If you are staying further out, take the Metro to Nevsky Prospekt. Visitors can buy a combined ticket for 600 rubles that provides entrance to the Stroganov Palace, Marble Palace, St. Michael’s Castle and Mikhailovksy Palace over three days. Visiting as part of an organized tour of St. Petersburg is another great option.