Delvig House, a famous mansion in the center of St. Petersburg, was the residence and workplace of Anton Antonovich Delvig, a well-known poet and publisher, friend of Pushkin, in the 1820s and 30s. This classic mansion from the early 19th century has been almost completely preserved and holds the status of cultural heritage in St. Petersburg.

History of Construction and Early Years

The house on Zagorodny Avenue was laid in 1811 and completed two years later. It was designed by architect M.A. Ovsyannikov, who created several other buildings in St. Petersburg in the classical style. Initially, the mansion belonged to merchant Tychinkin and was built as a rental property, which brought significant profit to the owners. However, in 1829, the family of Baron Anton Antonovich Delvig, a notable literary figure, moved here.

Anton Delvig, a descendant of German nobility who had assimilated into Russian culture, possessed outstanding literary talent, although he did not study well. Despite the nickname "the son of inspired laziness" given to him by Pushkin, he wrote poetry from childhood and began publishing early. Although Delvig lived in this house for only three years, his name became forever associated with the mansion, which later saved it from destruction.

Literary Life of the House

On Zagorodny Avenue, Delvig began publishing the "Literary Gazette," which quickly became popular due to its talented authors and independent views. Pushkin, a frequent guest of Delvig, was one of the initiators of the newspaper's creation. The house gathered creative intelligentsia, including poet V.A. Zhukovsky, Prince V.F. Odoevsky, poet N.I. Gnedich, publicist I.A. Krylov, and rector P.A. Pletnev. Young N.V. Gogol also visited, and his works were published in the newspaper.

Delvig's life was cut short in 1831 at the age of 32. The reasons for his death remain unclear, but it is officially attributed to typhus. Pushkin wrote about his friend's death as the first he genuinely mourned. Since then, the house has been known as "Delvig's House."

Later History

In 1867, the building was purchased by merchant G.V. Vasilyev, who made some renovations. After his death in 1874, the house passed to his widow, and in 1879 it was sold to merchant F.I. Korovin.

In the 20th century, the house survived the revolution and war but gradually fell into disrepair. In 1961, it was restored, preserving the facade. In the 1980s, there were plans to demolish the house for subway construction, but thanks to a public campaign, it was saved. In 1987, the mansion was reconstructed, strengthening its foundation.

By 1990, the house was fully restored, and the subway station was opened elsewhere. In 2001, Delvig House was included in the list of cultural heritage sites. In 2014, the building was once again reconstructed, preserving its historical appearance. Today, it houses a business center, and a memorial plaque commemorating Anton Delvig and the Pushkin era is installed on the facade.