Znamenka, manor

Categories / Architecture/Architectural Monuments/Manors and Summer Houses
ZNAMENKA (originally Znamenskaya grange), a manor on Peterhof Road, situated east of Alexandria Palace and Park Ensemble (see also Peterhof). Given in 1710 to I.I. Rzhevsky; since 1755 it belonged to count A.G. Razumovsky (at which time in the 1760s-70s, a two-storied stone palace and Church to SS. Peter&Paul were built). Later Znamenka was owned by P.I. Shuvalov, (see the Shuvalovs), general I.V. Melgunov, senator I.V. Myatlev (at his time, a third storey was built over the palace, and the palace itself was considerably expanded). In 1835, the manor was bought by Emperor Nicholas I for Empress Alexandra Fedorovna. In 1850, it passed on to Grand Prince Nikolay Nikolaevich the Elder; at which time, palace reconstruction began (the original design project was made by architect A.I. Stakensсhneider), and its interiors (the Greek Hall, Rafael Gallery etc. were redecorated). In 1857-59, the palace was entirely rebuilt (architect G.A. Bosse); its facades and interiors styled in Russian Baroque. In 1853-55, Konyushenny Yard (Stable Yard) for 100 horses, Kitchen Building along with the Caretaker's house, Greenhouses and 2 houses for garden masters were built as per the design by Bosse. The SS. Peter&Paul Church was also reconstructed. The last Znamenka owner was Grand Prince Peter Nikolaevich. After October 1917, the manor housed different institutions; during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-45 it was occupied by German troops, which severely damaged the ensemble. It was restored in the 1970s (architect M.M. Plotnikov). Since the end of the 1970s the manor has been housing a holiday hotel bearing the same name. The Znamenka Park is one of the famous examples of landscape design; laid out in the mid-18th century, it was expanded and rebuilt in the mid-19th century. It is made of Verkhny and Nizhny Gardens (Upper and Lower, respectively). The most common are broadleaf trees. Verkhny Garden grounds have two artificial ponds, Bolshoy and Maly.

References: Толстиков П. М. Знаменка // Петергоф: Очерки по краеведению. Петродворец, 1995. Ч. 2. С. 120-134; Горбатенко С. Б. Петергофская дорога: Ист.-архит. путеводитель. СПб., 2002. С. 226-234.

O. A. Chekanova. Alexandra Fedorovna, Empress
Bosse G.A. (see Bosse Yu.A.)
Melgunov I.V.
Myatlev Peter Vasilievich
Nicholas I, Emperor
Nikolay Nikolaevich (Jr.), Grand Prince
Nikolay Nikolaevich (Sr.), Grand Prince
Plotnikov Mikhail Mikhailovich
Razumovsky Alexey Grigorievich, Count
Rzhevsky Ivan Ivanovich
Shuvalov Peter Ivanovich, Count
Stakensсhneider Andrey Ivanovich
Толстиков П. М. Знаменка // Петергоф: Очерки по краеведению. Петродворец, 1995
Горбатенко С. Б. Петергофская дорога: Ист.-архит. путеводитель. СПб., 2002