The largest theatre in Russia and Europe
Theater Square was once known as Carousel Square and was frequently used as the site for fairs and festivals. In 1777-83 a theatre building was put here. The Big or Stone Theater, as it was called, was the largest one not only in Russia but in Europe as well.
Mariinsky theatre
In 1891-96 the present building of the Conservatoire was erected in the place of the demolished theatre, which was the first musical educational establishment in Russia, founded by A.Rubinstein in 1862. In 1859 the Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theaterwas built by architect A.Kavos. It was named in honour of Empress Maria, the wife of Alexander II. There are two monuments to M.Glinka and N.Rimsky-Korsakov, who were the famous Russian composers of the second half of the 19th century.
The Cathedral Of St. Nicholas
Next to the square there is St. Nicholas Cathedral or Marin Cathedral. It was built for the sailors and shipbuilders who lived in St. Petersburg in the mid 18th century. Architect S. Chevakinsky, who was a sailor too, built the Cathedral on Empress Elizabeth’s order (1753-62). This Cathedral has always been active.
