One of the most beautiful architectural monuments of pre-revolutionary St. Petersburg is the magnificent two-story San-Galli mansion, built in the second half of the 19th century. The project was created by Karl Karlovich Rakhau, a renowned architect and professor at the Imperial Academy of Arts. The client for the construction was Franz Karlovich San-Galli, a wealthy owner of foundries and mechanical plants. A descendant of the famous Italian sculptor, he had a vivid sense of beauty and personally oversaw the construction process. As a result, a true palace in the style of a Florentine palazzo was created, which stands out even among the architectural diversity of St. Petersburg.

Although Franz Karlovich's mansion was not the largest in the city, it consistently attracted attention. This is not surprising, as its architectural design was truly unique: the grand facade was adorned with sculpted lion masks, a two-column portico at the main entrance, and magnificent pediments. The interior decoration of the house was no less luxurious, with almost all items made in Russia. It is known that the owner's Moorish study featured a fireplace with unusual design, and the ceilings were wooden. Interestingly, the Florentine style of the mansion harmoniously combined with the Eastern ornaments of the interior.

In the courtyard, there was a beautiful square and a fountain, and large windows allowed for enjoying their view. Unfortunately, after the arrival of Soviet power, the property of Franz Karlovich's family was confiscated, and the mansion suffered greatly, losing part of its original decor. The Bolsheviks set up a factory here, which explains the condition of the building. Currently, the mansion has been restored and is primarily used for offices and an interior salon.