The Yusupov palace keeps not only magnificent treasures and unique works of art, but also a dark secret of events that may have played an important role in the history of the Russian Empire. The Yusupov Palace on the Moika River has some of the most perfectly preserved 19th-century interiors in the city, in addition to a fascinating history. The palace interior is sumptuous and rich, with many halls painted in different styles and decked out with gilded chandeliers, silks, frescoes, tapestries and some fantastic furniture. The 2nd floor features an amazing ballroom and banquet hall, where musicians perform short concerts throughout the day. The highlight is the ornate rococo private theatre, which apparently has hosted famous artists. In 1916 Rasputin was murdered here by Felix Yusupov and some fellow plotters, who considered the ‘mad monk’ to have become too powerful.
• Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance
