In 1749 the most talented architect
B.Rastrelli by the decree of the Empress Elizabeth was ordered to construct a
convent in the city outskirts, on an abandoned site of the Admiralty tar stone
– hence the name Smolny (Tar) Convent. It is supposed that the palace should
have accommodated 120 nuns of the best families. During the life of Rastrelli
construction of the monastery was not finished and in 1830 architect Stasov
continued to work on the interior decoration in the classical style. When
Catherine the second ascended the throne it was decided to create
"Educational society of noble maidens" or the Smolny institute - the
first Russian educational institution for women.
Originally the institute was located
in the unfinished building of the monastery, and then it was moved into a new
building which was created in 1806-1808 years next to the monastery by the
project of architect J. Quarenghi. This new construction known as Smolny Palace
was made in a classical style and differs with simplicity and elegance of the
decor. Despite the difference in style, the building of the Smolny palace is
considered to be a part of the ensemble of Smolny convent. After the February
revolution of 1917, the institute of noble maidens ceased to exist, and in the
Smolny palace housed the executive committee of the Petrograd
soviet of workers' and soldiers' deputies. Now Smolny is housed by the
Government and the Administration of Saint-Petersburg, besides there is a historical
and memorial museum, where you can climb up the bell tower of Smolny Cathedral
to enjoy the city panorama and a short concert of bells.
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