Passing by house number 43 on Bolshaya Morskaya Street, I’ve often admired the impressive Atlantes and Caryatids supporting the second-floor balcony, as well as the unique composition on the facade above. This building is known as the mansion of Pavel Nikolaevich Demidov. I had long wanted to see its interiors, and this summer, I finally got the chance. Here, I share the history of the mansion along with photos of its interior decor.
How to Join a Tour
The mansion’s address is Bolshaya Morskaya Street, 43. Demidov also owned the neighboring building at number 45, so to avoid confusion, the former is often referred to as the “Italian Embassy,” while the latter is called the “V. F. Gagarina House.”
Today, the Demidov Mansion is not open for general visits. As far as I know, access has been granted during occasional jewelry exhibitions held in various St. Petersburg palaces and mansions. I was fortunate enough to join a free tour of its interiors through the Open City project. Such events are held periodically, so I recommend registering on their website and checking the list of current tours regularly.
A Bit of History
The first stone structure on this site was built in the first half of the 18th century. The building underwent several reconstructions, and the land changed owners multiple times. In 1836, Pavel Nikolaevich Demidov purchased the house and property. His name remains tied to the building.
The Demidovs were well-known landowners and proprietors of mining, metallurgical, and metalworking enterprises. The owner of the Bolshaya Morskaya house himself was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and honorary member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences.
Under his ownership, the house was renovated under the supervision of one of St. Petersburg’s most renowned architects, Auguste Montferrand. Montferrand’s major works include the Alexander Column and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. After P. N. Demidov’s death in 1840, his wife Aurora Shernval remarried, during which time the mansion’s interiors were designed by the notable Harald Bosse.
In 1864, Demidov’s son, Pavel Pavlovich, rented the building to the Italian government. In the following decade, the mansion passed to the Liven family but later returned to the Italian government, this time as their property. During this period, the Malachite Hall, adorned with stone from Demidov’s Ural quarries, was dismantled and removed piece by piece.
The Italian Consulate occupied the mansion until 1957. Later, it housed the Giprostanok Institute, and subsequently, one of St. Petersburg’s banks. Today, the building is closed; it hosts no tourists, and tours are rare. According to the guide, the mansion is owned by the city and is awaiting a new tenant.
Finally, I’d like to leave a link to another St. Petersburg building that’s also nearly inaccessible to the public — the Kelkh Mansion on Chaikovsky Street. It’s safe to say that this is one place best seen in person at least once.
Have a nice trip!
