Stock Exchange

Founded by Peter the Great as a place where Russian and foreign merchants could meet and sign wholesale agreements to bring goods to the capital from abroad and elsewhere in Russia (1703). First and only stock exchange in Russia (until late 18th century). Originally located in Trinity Square (until 1755) and the Gostiny Dvor on the bank of the River Malaya Neva (until early 19th century). Jean-François Thomas de Thomon designed a special building for the stock exchange on the spit of Vasilyevsky Island (1805–16) flanked by southern and northern storehouses built by Giovanni Lucchini (1826–32)