Avrova St., Building 2, Block 7, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198510
Palace Stables (also Gothic Stables, Imperial Stables) are a complex of historic buildings in Peterhof. They occupy a block bounded by Avrova Street, Alexandriysky Highway, Likhardovskaya Street, and Zverinskaya Street.
Since 1723, a stable yard was located on the site now occupied by the complex. In 1846, architect Benois received an imperial commission to build a new Stable Yard. Demolition of the old structures (a total of 8 buildings made of wood and cobblestone) began in 1847. The new stables were constructed from 1848 to 1855. In total, the stables housed 328 horses. The complex included a riding hall, the equestrian department, residential houses for employees, a smithy, a veterinary clinic, a carriage house, haylofts, and fodder storage rooms.
Due to the Crimean War, funding was limited, so some of the architect’s plans were not realized: a pool for horse bathing was not built, the Klodt equestrian sculptural group in front of the riding hall was not erected, and the clock with a bell intended for the central tower was not made.
After the October Revolution, the stable complex was transferred to the Petrodvorets sanatorium (sleeping quarters, a dining room, a hydrotherapy facility, and treatment rooms were housed there).
The complex has a trapezoidal plan. Externally, it imitates an English Gothic castle with Tudor style elements. Nine massive towers are located at the corners (the upper floors housed rooms for the tsar’s convoy). The huge riding hall in the central part of the complex had a system of open wooden rafters. A special imperial box was provided in the riding hall.
The bricks for the buildings were produced at the Znamensky Brick Factory. The walls are mainly made of unplastered brick; cornices, window surrounds, and the parapet are plastered. The building decoration was designed by Dylov, with terracotta ornaments by sculptor Jensen. Cast iron details were produced at the Berd factory.
Currently, the stable complex is closed to mass tourist visits.
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