Menshikov Palace is situated on the University Embankment.

The ornate ochre palace was the residence of Peter the Great`s closest friend and advisor, and St Petersburg`s first governor, Alexander Menshikov.

Menshikov had the lavish palace built for himself between 1710 and 1714. It was one of the first stone buildings in St Petersburg and became the centre of the tsar`s court, where foreign ambassadors and Russian dignitaries were entertained in style.

Much of the palace has now been restored to its original form. Roman and Greek statues, which Menshikov imported from Europe. On the first floor, a number of the palace rooms are decorated floor-to-ceiling with exguisite Dutch tiles, which have been meticulously restored. The neoclassical Grand Hall, decorated with gold and stucco, was used for state ceremonies, balls and banquets.