Arhitektura Gostinogo Dvora -

St. Petersburg attractions. The Great Gostiny Dvor. - Visit Russia

This is the city's oldest and largest shopping arcade, recognized as a . arhitektura gostinogo dvora

Usually designed as a large quadrangle or irregular square occupying an entire city block, with a central courtyard for deliveries and additional storage. arhitektura gostinogo dvora

The most recognizable feature is the continuous open arcade on the ground floor. This provided shelter for shoppers while allowing merchants to display goods in separate "benches" or stalls. arhitektura gostinogo dvora

While individual buildings vary, most traditional Gostiny Dvors share these defining characteristics:

Traditionally, the ground floor was used for retail trade, the second floor for administration and wholesale, and the upper floors or basements for warehouses.