In the late 18th century, one of the most unusual buildings appeared in Petersburg, the Lithuanian Castle, designed by architect Ivan Starov. This enormous pentagonal structure with seven round towers became a vivid example of architectural innovation of that time. The name "Lithuanian" was given to the castle after the Lithuanian Musketeer Regiment was stationed there, which secured this name for many years.

Over time, the castle changed its purpose. In the 1820s, architect Joseph Charlemagne transformed it into a city prison. Behind the massive walls, cells, isolated sections, and even a prison church appeared. Here, not only criminals but also political prisoners were held, making the castle an important place in the history of the revolutionary movement in Russia.

Among the notable figures who visited the Lithuanian Castle were such personalities as Pyotr Tkachev, Ivan Pryzhov, and Pyotr Uspensky. Vladimir Korolenko was also here, and in 1903, the writer Alexander Kuprin visited the castle. These historical figures left their mark on the history of the castle, making it not only an architectural but also a cultural monument.

However, the fate of the Lithuanian Castle was tragic. During the February Revolution of 1917, the building was set on fire and severely damaged. In 1929 and 1930, the remaining ruins were dismantled. Today, on the site where the castle once stood, there are modern buildings. Part of its territory is occupied by the premium club house Art View House, while on another part, residential buildings line Dekabristov Street. During the construction of Art View House, the remains of the foundations of the ancient towers were discovered, reminding us of the former grandeur of the Lithuanian Castle.

Thus, the Lithuanian Castle, despite its short existence, left a significant mark in the history of Petersburg. It became a symbol of change and a testament to the complex historical processes occurring in Russia throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, its legacy lives on in the memory of the city and in the few fragments that have been preserved to this day.