Photo of the week #40 | The square/plaza |The Old Theater square

Every city probably has a square (or even several), which the citizens are very proud of, where they like to sit in a cafe with a cup of coffee, and which they are happy to show to tourists. Some of these squares are huge, richly decorated, teeming with architectural monuments. And some are smaller and more modest, but also very attractive. The square I want to tell you about is very tiny, there are only 4 buildings on it, and 2 of them are just gatehouses. And I invite you to watch the other 2!





It's called The Old Theater square, and this pinkish building with columns is the theater. And this is the only preserved monument of wooden architecture of the classical era in St. Petersburg. It was built in 1827 on Kamenny (stone in English) island as a summer theater. Such theaters could only be used in the summer and usually served only one season. The next year, they were broken down and a new wooden building was built. However, for some reason, this did not happen with this theater.





It was repaired six times, until in our century it was restored in such a way that it could be used all year round. Now the building of the Old Theater belongs to the Bolshoi Drama Theater of St. Petersburg.





At the beginning of the 20th century, wealthy citizens began to build cottages on Kamenny Island. And next to the Old Theater is a very interesting mansion. In fact, these are two houses: one of them, which is lower, is made of stone, and the second - with a turret - is made of wood. One belonged to the countess, the other to the wife of the owner of the famous circus. Obviously, the ladies were good friends, because they decided to combine both buildings, and make a common entrance))





Unfortunately, only the stone house is original. The wooden one was dismantled and then rebuilt, but in full accordance with the original drawings, and, of course, the new house is also made of wood). Now it is a State Guest residence.





Written for the contest Photo of the Week from @mister-omortson


Thank you for stopping by and reading!


Your @irchen