The legend of the Tauride Palace.

The Tauride Palace is located between Tauride and Potemkinskaya streets and stretches for a whole block. This masterpiece of architectural art of the classical era was erected in 1783-1789 under the leadership of the architect I. E. Starov, who wanted to emphasize the idea of the greatness of the Russian Empire on such a scale. The palace was one of Catherine II’s favorite places, where she often received guests. Initially, the building was designed for the favorite of Empress Catherine II Prince Gregory Potemkin.

However, the prince was not dissatisfied with the present, but after the construction was completed, he tried to get rid of it, explaining that maintaining the palace was unbearably expensive. Especially when he personally spent more than four hundred thousand rubles in gold for the construction and decoration - the amount for those times is stunning.

Catherine, extremely annoyed with the complaints of the prince, did not allow to sell the palace, but the amount spent on interior quirks, Potemkin reimbursed.

But the monetary difficulties that had recently tormented the prince continued: money flowed out of his hands like water, and military worries did not allow Potemkin to focus on saving and increasing his wealth. However, this was destined to continue until 1791, before a luxurious reception arranged by the prince in his palace on the occasion of the conquest of the Crimea.

As contemporaries recalled, wines at that reception flowed like a river, and exquisite foods drove even ascetics mad. But the main event of the celebration, in addition to a luxurious lunch and social entertainment, was Potemkin himself, who in front of high-ranking guests knelt before Catherine and quietly asked her for something. It happened in the largest ballroom in Europe, called Catherine, under the central chandelier. Catherine withstood a pause, which gave the situation even more courtesy, and asked the prince to rise from his knees, and after some time ... The prince's money affairs were completely adjusted, and even Catherine again gave Potemkin a newly purchased palace from him.

Since then, there was a legend that began to spread from the top of society that if you stand under the central chandelier and make a wish, then within a year it will come true.