Yusupov Palace (Yusupovsky Dvorets)
Rising up from the banks of the Moyka River, the distinctive canary-yellow façade of Yusupov Palace (Yusupovsky Dvorets harbors a rich history. One of four palaces belonging to the aristocratic Yusupov family, it’s known for its remarkably preserved interiors and as the site where Grigory Rasputin was murdered in 1916.
The basics
Explore the palace on a guided tour or audio tour, which includes the ballrooms, banquet halls, and bedrooms. Much of the original 19th- and 20th-century interiors have been preserved and restored, affording insight into the grandeur of aristocratic life in pre-Revolution Russia. Admire the Moorish-style Drawing Room and the Grand Ballroom; marvel at the lavish White-Columns Hall; and peek into the former living quarters of Prince Felix Yusupov. Afterward, take a stroll around the palace gardens or attend a concert at the rococo-style Palace Theater.
Things to know before you go
- A visit to the Yusupov Palace is a must for those interested in Russian history and architecture, and is said to be one of the best-preserved of its era.
- Admission tickets include an audio guide; guided tours are also available. Entrance to the gardens is free.
- There is a café at the palace.
- Parts of the palace are wheelchair accessible, however, due to the steep stairs leading down to the basement, the Rasputin exhibit is not.
How to get there
Yusupov Palace is located on the banks of the Moyka River in central St. Petersburg, about 10 minutes on foot from Senate Square (Ploschad Dekabristov). The main entrance is on Dekabristov Street. The closest metro station is Sadovaya (Line 5), a 15-minute walk to the palace, and tram 3 stops along Voznesenskiy Ave, about a 10-minute walk.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The palace is open daily all year-round. Time your visit for the late afternoon if you want to visit the Rasputin exhibition—the rooms are open for just one hour a day from 5-6pm. To see the rooms outside of these times, you’ll need to join a tour.
The Notorious Murder of Rasputin
The assassination of Grigory Rasputin, a Russian mystic who was a close friend of the Yusupov family, is one of the most notorious tales in Russian history. His grisly death took place at the Yusupov Palace on Dec. 30, 1916. According to legend, Felix Yusupov carried out a failed attempt to poison him, after which he was beaten, shot, and ultimately, drowned in the Neva River. Today, the cell where Rasputin was poisoned can be visited on guided tours of the Yusupov Palace and visitors can hear the many myths and stories that surround the ‘mad monk’, Rasputin.
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