Smolny Dvor (Pitch Town) was an industrial district founded in the early days of Saint Petersburg that produced pitch and tar for the Admiralty Shipyard. Since then, the name was related to the Novo-Devitchi Convent built by the famous architect Rastrelli, the Institute of Noble Maids designed by Quarenghi, and the Petrograd Soviet that replaced the “Smolny maidens” during the Revolution. Our architectural walk also includes the magnificent ensemble of Tavrichesky palace that combines the luxury of classical architecture with the romantic impression of Tavrichesky paysage garden. Adjacent streets bear a rich collection of buildings of early XX and XXI centuries.

Starting at: Tavrichesky garden
Finishing at: Propylaeum of the Smolny Institute
Duration: 3 hours