Menshikov Palace was one of the earliest stone buildings in St. Petersburg.

Prince Menshikov entertained here on a lavish scale, often on behalf of his friend, Peter the Great.

Guests would cross the Neva by boat and arrive to the grand welcome of a liveried orchestra.

Menshikov rose from humble origins to his position as the first governor of St. Petersburg.

After Peter's death in 1725, he engineered the ascension of Catherine I (Peter's wife and Menshikov's former mistress) to the throne, thus maintaining his power until her demise.

His notorious extravagance and venality eventually caught up with him. Accused of treason, he died in exile in 1729.

Hand painted 18th Century Dutch tiles on the walls and ceiling.

Paintings and other ornaments hang from coloured ribbons as was the fashion.