The Yusupov Palace on the bank of the Moika River is only one of the 57 palaces in Russia, four of which are in St. Petersburg, which were owned by Felix Yusupov. It was often said that Yusupov was almost as wealthy as the Tsar himself. This palace, designed by Vallen De la Mothe and Andrei Mikhailov, was Yusupov's favourite and exemplifies his wealth and very eccentric style. Once, while in Italy, Yusupov admired a beautiful white marble staircase and wished to purchase it, but unfortunately the owner of the palace refused to sell it.
This, however, did not stop the eccentric Yusupov who then bought the entire palace and had the staircase transported to St. Petersburg where it sits in the palace overlooking the Moika. The staircase leads to the private theatre of Zenaida Yusupov which has been carefully preserved in its rococo style and has been the stage for many performances of very famous artists. Among the palaces treasures are works of art by Rembrandt and Rubens, French tapestries and porcelain, and Venetian mirrors and wood carvings. It was here in 1916 where the notorious Grigory Rasputin was assassinated. He was lured to Yusupov's palace by several influential figures of the time, given poison cakes, which for some reason had no effect on him, and then shot several times and thrown into the river. The palace is a beautiful example of St. Petersburg's early 18th century architecture.

Address:
Griboedova Kanala nab.
Open: 11.00 - 18.00
Closed on WED.