What Russia’s most beautiful bank looks like (PHOTOS)
One of the most famous buildings in Nizhny Novgorod impresses tourists with its unusual appearance, resembling both a boyar tower and a medieval fortress. And it was only built in the early 20th century.
During the tsarist period, Nizhny Novgorod was famous for hosting the country’s largest fair. Merchants came here to trade not only from all over Russia, but also from Asia and Europe. The turnover at the market was huge, so in 1868 a branch of the State Bank appeared in the city.
At first, the bank huddled in a small rented house, but in the early 20th century, the management decided to build a large office of their own. The country’s best architects competed for the chance to realize the project. Vladimir Pokrovsky's fashionable neo-Russian design won. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street, in the very heart of the city, was picked as the location.
The exterior turned out spectacular: carved stone bas-reliefs, arches and pointed turrets. The Russian coat of arms, a double-headed eagle, surrounded by two archangels, was featured on the pediment, with the imperial crown and other symbols of power on top.
The building was constructed in record time, and the grand opening took place in 1913. The ceremony was attended by Emperor Nicholas II himself. Even the monarch was amazed by the luxurious interior of the bank, especially the murals, which were executed by the Pashkov brothers based on their own sketches and illustrations of Ivan Bilibin.
The building’s design honored the 300th anniversary of the Romanov House, featuring a tsarist waiting room. Its wall is decorated with a panel, depicting the "Election to the Throne of Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov," the first tsar from the dynasty.
The ceiling painting in the vestibule of the first floor is dedicated to the four elements.
The vaults of the operating room are decorated with double-headed eagles and sirens (women with bird bodies).
Take a closer look at the mythological creatures here:
The handrails of the grand staircase are decorated with maiolica ceramics.
The building decor includes scenes dedicated to Nizhny Novgorod, one of them featuring its Kremlin.
Since this is a bank building, among the murals are allegorical images of metals from which coins are minted.
You can also find rather exotic compositions, including zodiac signs.
By the way, the building still works as a bank. In 2006, its facade was featured on a commemorative coin from the ‘Architectural Monuments of Russia’ series.
‘Gateway to Russia’ is thankful to the Bank of Russia Museum for its help in preparing this article.
