STROGANOV PALACE IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

The Stroganov Place was built for the Stroganov family in 1752-54 by the Royal Architect Francesco-Bartholomeo Rastrelli, who built the Winter Palace and the Smolny Cathedral. The Stroganovs were a very prominent noble family, many of whom were important political figures and art lovers. The famous Beef Stroganoff dish came from their kitchen. It was at this palace in St. Petersburg in which several generations of Stroganovs socialized with the most notable artists, writers and composers and kept an extensive art collection which was later obtained by the Russian Museum.