It was [Menshikov Palace] (http://kudago.com/spb/place/dvorec-menshikova/), which has been perfectly preserved to this day, that became the place where all important city events were held at first: gala dinners, official receptions and gala balls. It should be noted that a whole galaxy of the best Italian and Russian architects participated in the construction of the palace, which lasted from 1710 to 1727.

In addition to the Menshikov Palace, a number of architectural masterpieces are located on the Universitetskaya Embankment. So, there is hardly a tourist who does not want to look at the famous [Kunstkamera] (https://kudago.com/spb/place/kunstkamera/), built by decree of Pyotr Alekseevich, or at a massive building Twelve Colleges, in which [St. Petersburg University] is currently located (http://kudago.com/spb/place/sankt-peterburgskij-gosudarstvennyj-universitet/).

Opposite the building of St. Petersburg State University lies a giant open stone book. This is the Message Through the Centuries monument, which was unveiled on the eve of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. On the pages of the folio are engraved lines from A. S. Pushkin “The Bronze Horseman”. It can be seen on the opposite bank of the Neva River, just opposite the book.

Egyptian [sphinxes] (http://kudago.com/spb/place/sfinksy-pered-akademiej-hudozhestv/), lurking on the granite surface of the University Embankment, are also mandatory for viewing. Interestingly, these two stone idols are real ancient Egyptian relics, which are more than 3,500 years old. These mythical monsters were brought and installed on the banks of the Neva River in the first half of the 19th century, at the height of Egyptomania.