Perhaps it’s not possible to find a more unusual building than this in St. Petersburg, associated with so many misty legends and secrets. Externally, it is reminiscent of a middle-ages castle with four turrets, and eight internal corners. Here is a blend of styles, combining romanticism and elegant gothic. The castle was located here, where a soldier, standing in front of the summer palace of the Empress Elizabeth, saw an angel. He had a command sent to the Emperor that a cathedral should be built on the spot, in honor of St. Michael Archangel.
The cultural ceremony for the foundation took place in 1797. The construction was carried out at great speed, and was completed much more quickly than that of other St. Petersburg buildings, and on 1st. February 1801, the Emperor took up residence in his new home, the walls of which had been decorated red - the color of the gloves of one of his lovers. However, Emperor Paul I ’s enjoyment of his new home was short-lived. On the night of 12 March of that year, he suffered a horrible death at the hands of conspirators. This bloody event has forever left a somber air around the environs of the castle.