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Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka
Fontanka Embankment, 65

Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka is such an integral part of Saint Petersburg as the Hermitage, Russian Museum, the Admiralty, the Peter and Paul fortress and the Bronze horseman.
Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka is one of the most beautiful theatres of Saint Petersburg. It is situated in the historical center of the city.
The building of the Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka was constructed on the site that belonged to the descendants, a general-lieutenant Count Anton Semjenovich Apraksin, invited the famous Petersburg architect, academic, building the theatre on his territory.
Fontana started his activity in Russia as an assistant of a famous architect Garland Boss and became famous at once reconstructed his own mansion at Dvortsovaya Embankment, 10, built in 17th century. L.F.Fontana constructed many buildings in the city but he famous for his project of one of the best hotels in Saint Petersburg - "Europe".
The theatre building was completed in 1878. Contemporaries rated its functional merits and interior beauty highly. The inner design of the theatre has ancient sculpturing with golden covering, painted ceilings in all rooms; a laced marble staircase leads to the foyer of Greek hall. The staircase is lighted by ancient torches, designed as woman figures held furning torches. The hall is equipped by comfortable velvet seats in dark blue.
First performances of many drama compositions of Russian classics were staged at the Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka. A Great Russian actress M.G.Savina made her debut there. Foreign artistes on tour also performed there - famous Italian drama artists Eleonora Duze, omazo Salvini, Sandro Moissii; Theatre Comedi Frances with Zh.Munne-Sully. Great Sara Bernar performed at the Theatre on Fontanka.
On the Emperor stage the Italian opera of Gelsingfor theatre performed, the great Italians M.Battistini, L.Mazini, D.Anselmi Sany, brilliant Isidora Dunkan danced.