Also Refered As:

Mikhailovsky Castle, Engineers' Castle

Saint Michaels Castle, St. Petersburg Overview

Saint Michael's Castle is a former royal residence located in the historic center of Saint Petersburg. Mostly visited for its different architectural styles on each of its facades, including French Classicism, Italian Renaissance, and Gothic elements, it operates as a branch of the Russian Museum, showcasing a portrait gallery and various exhibitions. The surrounding moats and canals add to its picturesque setting.

Constructed between 1797 and 1801 under the direction of architects Vincenzo Brenna and Vasily Bazhenov, it was commissioned by Emperor Paul I, who named it in honor of Archangel Michael, the patron saint of the royal family. Emperor Paul I, harboring fears of assassination, desired a secure residence distinct from the Winter Palace. Saint Michael's Castle was designed with a moat and drawbridges, transforming it into an island fortress. Tragically, Paul I was assassinated in his bedroom within the castle just 40 days after moving in. Following his death, the imperial family abandoned the castle, and in 1823, it was repurposed to house the Main Engineering School, leading to its alternative name, the Engineers' Castle.

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