Peter I's house on the Petrograd side, next to the Neva and not far from the Peter and Paul Fortress, is a unique monument. It is the first building in St. Petersburg that has preserved its wooden appearance, painted to look like brick, just like the entire city at that time. The house, with an area of only 60 square meters, is considered the smallest palace in the world. Its origin remains a mystery, and there are suggestions that it is older than previously thought.

This neat log cabin witnessed the construction of the new capital of Russia, from its founding to the emergence of granite embankments and palaces. Inside, the house was characterized by simplicity and a democratic atmosphere. Poet Sumarokov wrote about it that no one could have predicted that this small house would become the beginning of a great city.

In 1703, the Peter and Paul Fortress was laid on Hare Island, marking the start of St. Petersburg's history. Peter I settled nearby, on Birch Island (now Petrogradsky), in a small wooden house where he lived during the summers from 1703 to 1708, observing the construction of the new capital. The house stood right by the water, and the tsar could admire the ships on the river and the fortress. However, due to constant flooding, the shore was fortified, and the house gradually "retreated" from the water by 70 meters.

By Peter's order, a fan of Dutch architecture, the house was painted to look like brick to remind him of Amsterdam. This is the only building that has preserved such a facade, which was discovered during restoration. Perhaps this is why it was called the "Red Chambers" or the "Original Palace."

Historians have no doubt that this is the oldest building in St. Petersburg. According to the official version, the house was built from pine logs in just three days by soldiers of the Semenovsky regiment with the participation of the tsar himself. However, this version is criticized as it is based on a manuscript by Peter Kreksin, a known fantasist. Scholars believe that the method of cutting and processing the logs, as well as the floral paintings on the walls, indicate a Scandinavian, likely Swedish, origin of the building. It is possible that Peter simply arranged his residence in an existing Swedish structure.

The house looked festive due to its brick-like paint and high roof covered with shingles. On the roof stood a wooden mortar, and the windows shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow thanks to "moon glass." Inside, the house was divided into two light rooms: a dining room and bedroom on the left, and a study on the right.

The area around the "royal residence" soon became lively: the embassy house of Menshikov, a hotel, and an inn appeared, where victories of the Russian army were celebrated. After the victory at Poltava, the construction of the capital accelerated, and a church of the Holy Trinity grew next to the house.

Over time, the tsar acquired other palaces, and the house began to deteriorate. However, Peter I ordered it to be repaired and secured. Later, the house was protected by a stone gallery designed by Trezzini, which saved it from flooding.

In 1784, Catherine II ordered the construction of a protective gallery reinforced with metal piles. The modern pavilion-case was built in 1844 according to Kuzmin's design. As a result of constant repairs, the appearance of the house changed, but its historical value was preserved.

In the 19th century, a garden was laid out around the house, enclosed by a lace-like fence. By the end of the century, two chapels were added to the case, one of which housed a boat used by Peter I to explore the banks of the Neva.

In 1741-1742, a chapel was arranged in the house, where an icon of the Unmade Savior was kept, revered as the patroness of students and schoolchildren. After the revolution, the house became a museum, and the icon was transferred to the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral.

In the 1970s, a restoration took place, returning the house to its original appearance. The paintings and "moon glasses" were restored, and the house once again looked as it did during Peter I's time.

A bust of the emperor, installed next to the house, was made based on a model by sculptor Zhille. The Peter's Embankment was renovated in the early 20th century, and today Peter I's house is one of the main attractions of St. Petersburg, attracting tourists from all over the world.