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The Menshikov Palace, situated on the University Embankment of Vasilyevsky Island, was built to the order of the first governor of St Petersburg and close associate of Peter I, Alexander Menshikov. Construction of this first monumental stone structure in the city began in 1710 following architectural plans drawn up by Giovanni Mario Fontana. Work continued under the guidance of Johann Gottfried Schaedel from 1712 till 1721. The architectural decoration of the palace is characteristic of the early 18th century. The central part of the building is crowned with an attic, while the side projections have curved pediments. The whole building ends in a high hipped roof. The bright, two-coloured walls of the building, pilasters with carved stone capitals decorating every floor, and plain window frames give the facade a smart look and were typical of Baroque architecture during the age of Peter the Great.
The palace was the most luxurious building in St Petersburg of Peter's time and was often used for official diplomatic receptions and assemblies.