Apraksin Dvor

Apraksin Yard ( _ru. Апраксин Двор) is a department store in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The buildings of Apraksin Dvor nestle between Sadovaya Street and the Fontanka River.

The first market on the spot originated in the mid-18th century, deriving its name from Count Apraksin who owned the plot. After merchant Shchukin purchased a portion of it, this part became known as Shchukin Dvor. The market buildings were wooden and burnt to the ground in 1782.

In 1863, a new department store was opened on the spot. It was built to a design by Geronimo Corsini. During the ensuing decade, more than 45 shops were constructed in the vicinity. In 1913, Apraksin Dvor accommodated more than 500 shops. Additional 270 small wholesale enterprises were housed on the grounds of Shchukin Dvor.

After the Russian Revolution of 1917, most buildings of Apraksin Dvor were given over to depots and warehouses.

Further reading

Рубахин В. Ф. Графы Апраксины и их петербургская вотчина - Апраксин двор. СПб., 1912.