The most sumptuous non-imperial palace in St.Petersburg was the home of the rich and powerful Yussupov family, who from the mid-18th century (when the first version of this palace was built) until the Revolution, were in the most powerful circles in Russia.

In addition to being movers and shakers, the Yussupovs were great collectors of art, and their collection was known well beyond Russia. After the Revolution, most of the collection was moved to the Hermitage, making this place just another palace, though traces of the incredible wealth that once kept this place pulsating with life still remain: the various sitting rooms, the intricate chandeliers and candelabras that adorn every room and corridor, and the beautiful private theatre that looks like a cosy version of the Mariinsky.

As a matter of fact, the Yussupov Palace is on the United Nations list of the best preserved family homes in Europe. Queen Elizabeth II of England made a special request to visit the Palace during her visit to St.Petersburg in October 1994.

It was here in 1916 where the notorious Grigory Rasputin was assassinated. He was lured to Yusupov's palace by several influential figures of the time, given poison cakes, which for some reason had no effect on him, and then shot several times and thrown into the river.