During the reign of Peter I, the palace of the first governor of St. Petersburg, Prince Menshikov, on Vasilievsky Island, amazed with its luxury and scale. This building, which immediately attracted attention from approaching ships, became a symbol of the new Russian capital. The estate of the tsar's favorite stretched several kilometers from the Great to the Little Neva. Only the palace itself remains from the entire complex, the oldest stone structure in the city, which was restored only by the end of the last century.

Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, the owner of the palace, was one of the most prominent figures of Peter's era. His origins remain a mystery to this day. According to legend, before meeting the tsar, he sold pies in Moscow, but historians consider this a fabrication by the boyars who sought to emphasize his lack of noble birth. Most likely, he came from a poor noble family.

The tsar valued Menshikov for his energy, resourcefulness, and military talents, which allowed him to make a fantastic career. By the end of Peter's reign, he owned a significant portion of the lands of the new capital, including Vasilievsky Island. His titles were numerous: General Field Marshal, Generalissimo, Duke of Izhora, and others. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, he owned several palaces and houses, and throughout Russia, many lands and cities.

Despite complaints about bribery and embezzlement, the tsar forgave Menshikov for his merits and ability to carry out royal orders. Thanks to his 'business' qualities, the construction of such a magnificent building was possible. Menshikov collected 'tribute' from officials in the form of products and goods, which also enriched the state treasury. His love for luxury was beneficial to the tsar, as it demonstrated that one could live tastefully in the new city.

There is a legend that Peter I once demanded Menshikov return the stolen 200,000 rubles. When the tsar visited the palace, he discovered that tapestries and expensive furniture had disappeared from the halls. Menshikov explained that he sold everything to pay off the debt. The tsar threatened that if he saw empty walls again, he would demand another 200,000 rubles. Menshikov quickly rectified the situation.

Peter did not appreciate luxury, and his palaces were more modest than Menshikov's. At the end of his life, the emperor distanced himself from Menshikov due to his thievery. However, under Catherine I, Menshikov became the de facto ruler of the country. In 1727, he fell into disgrace, lost all his property, and was exiled to Siberia, where he soon died.

In exile in the village of Berezov, only two of Menshikov's children survived. From their father's wealth, they were left with only clothing and bed linen, while the state treasury was replenished with his property.

Menshikov's first house was wooden, and his estate resembled a city in parks. In 1710, he began constructing a new stone palace in the Petrine Baroque style. The building was designed by Giovanni Maria Fontana and completed by Gottfried Johann Schadel. Serfs and hired workers worked on the construction.

By 1714, the building was largely ready, but it was completed over several more years. Furniture was brought from Italy and France, tiles from Holland. The two-tiered roof of the palace was visible from afar. From the side of the Neva, it was adorned with statues of ancient gods and princely crowns.

The palace was used for receiving ambassadors and celebrations. Weddings and engagements took place here, but Menshikov's attempt to connect with the royal family was unsuccessful.

After Menshikov's disgrace, the building was repurposed for the Cadet Corps. Restoration of the palace began in the late 19th century and took a long time. In the mid-20th century, it was returned to its historical appearance.

Today, the former Menshikov Palace is a branch of the Hermitage. The museum features an exhibition on the history and culture of the Petrine era.

On the second floor of the palace was the Great Hall, while the first floor housed rooms for official events and kitchens. The basement contained a rich wine cellar. In the modern building, one of the kitchens is presented with a collection of dishes.

Restorers struggled for a long time to decipher the purpose of small rooms on the second floor until they discovered that it was an ancient garbage chute.

Menshikov decorated the palace with Dutch tiles, ordering 50,000 pieces from Holland. In Strelna, domestic craftsmen began producing tiles. The tiles adorned the walls and ceilings of 30 rooms, of which four have survived.

In the Nut Room, Menshikov worked and rested. The grand staircase of the palace is painted to resemble marble, and the steps are made of bog oak.

The interiors of the palace are modest and cozy, allowing one to immerse themselves in the era of the capital's birth. In this architectural monument, the Dutch style blends with traditional Russian architecture.