The Grand Hotel 'Europe' on Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg is located in close proximity to the city's main attractions. Currently, the hotel is managed by the British company Belmond and is considered one of the best in Russia and Eastern Europe.

History of the Site

Construction on the site where the hotel now stands began in 1739. Initially, there was a three-story house that changed several owners. By the end of the 18th century, the land passed to the Barmin merchants, then to military man Yakovlev, and in the early 19th century, it was acquired by merchant Ankundin Savelievich Rogov. He decided to build a tenement house for renting rooms and invited architects Gabertsettler and Melnikov to design the buildings, including a hotel for the German Klee 'Kuolon'.

Architectural Features

The project for the first hotel at the corner of Nevsky Prospect was developed by architect Karl Ivanovich Rossi, known as the founder of Russian Empire style. Between 1826 and 1830, he created the design for building No. 7 on Italian Street, taking the facades of the Noble Assembly in classical style as a model.

From 1873 to 1875, the reconstruction of the 'Kuolon' hotel and Rogov's tenement house began. Architect Ludwig Fontana, known for his love of eclecticism, combined the buildings into a single complex, increasing the size of the hotel to 260 rooms over an area of 26,000 square meters. Elevators for residents were added, making it one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.

Ludwig Fontana also designed the Apraxin Courtyard. By the early 20th century, 'Hotel d'Europe' was considered one of the best in the world. In 1905, Karl Mackensen created the restaurant interior in Art Nouveau style, and in 1910, the 'Roof' restaurant opened with a summer hall and garden. A stained glass window depicting Apollo, created by Karlis Brensens based on a sketch by Leonty Benois, became a highlight.

Facade and Decor

The hotel's facade is adorned with twenty atlantes located between the windows of the top floor. These figures, crafted by Danish sculptor David Jensen, are visible from afar. Atlantes are often used in the architecture of St. Petersburg, for example, in the New Hermitage and Catherine Palace.

Soviet Period

After the revolution, the hotel was nationalized and used as a shelter, a workers' home, and an 'Intourist' hotel. Vladimir Mayakovsky stayed in room 26. During the war, it housed a hospital. After the war, the hotel was restored, striving to preserve Rossi's design. Famous personalities such as Alexander Vertinsky and Konstantin Paustovsky stayed at the hotel.

Modern History

In the early 90s, the hotel underwent restoration, during which the facade in Rossi's style was restored, and the interiors were updated. The hotel was privatized and became a five-star grand hotel with 266 rooms and four restaurants. On the 5th floor, there are terraces with views of the city's attractions.

The hotel offers unique historical suites and the only Caviar Bar & Restaurant in the city. There is also its own chocolate factory. The Grand Hotel 'Europe' is known for its high level of service and rich history. Since 2005, it has been managed by the Belmond group.