Opening date and history

On Pyatnitskaya Street, at house No. 18, there is a magnificent Empire-style mansion with a six-column portico, belonging to the mining magnate Demidov. The building is based on a two-story structure in the early classical style of the late 18th century, when it was owned by Fyodor Borisovich Lepyoshkin. Originally, the house faced Pyatnitskaya Street with its side, and the facade was directed towards the courtyard. After the fire of 1812, for the new owner, Demidov, architect Osip Ivanovich Bove designed the current building. It is distinguished by a six-column Ionic portico resting on a basement floor and elegant stucco decor characteristic of Moscow's Empire style.

Reconstruction and restoration

In 1909, a small extension was added to the left side of the house, which introduced a slight asymmetry to the building. In 1972, the architectural monument was restored, including the stone fence with gates from the 1830s, preserved on the right side.

Interesting facts

The house was reinforced on the courtyard side with pilaster buttresses. Although the purpose of their installation in the early 19th century remains unknown, it later proved to be a wise decision. Currently, a metro line runs beneath the building, and vibrations negatively affect the condition of the historic house.

Owners and notable persons

Since 1880, the house has belonged to St. Basil's Cathedral. In the early 20th century, the rector of the cathedral, Father Ioann (Vostorgov), lived on the second floor and was shot in September 1918, becoming the first Orthodox clergyman to face judicial persecution. In 2000, he was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.