December 23, 2021: during Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev's working trip to Taganrog on December 21, he visited Taganrog Museum of Local Lore and History, commonly known as the "Alferaki Palace". On Tuesday, Governor inspected the showrooms, whose renovation and renewal are nearing completion.


The "Alferaki Palace" is a big part of Taganrog's history. It is named after the rich Greek family of Alferaki (Alpheraky), who were the first owners of the building. In the second half of the 19th century, local merchants rented it with the adjacent garden to function as a club for the Commercial assembly. Now the building accommodates the Museum of Local Lore and History.

Bright and spacious halls of the palace showcase a vast collection of items that acquaint visitors with Taganrog history from the earliest times to our days. Rare and unique objects of repository collections "Archaeology", "Weapons", "Numismatics", "Glass", etc. are on display here. The collection presents the most important stages in the history of the city, its foreign relations and distinguished people. It also features archaeological findings, artworks and ethnographic materials. The museum has a great architectural and historical importance, and is considered to be a hallmark of the national culture.


Today the building is frequently used both for regular guided tours and as a venue for various events. The Alferaki Palace's main hall with two tiers of windows has perfect acoustics and is regularly used for chamber music performances. Taganrog Local Government and City Council hold reception of foreign delegations and other official ceremonies in the very same building.


Major restoration and renewal works in the "Alferaki Palace" started in May 2020. Its exterior has already been completed; the same goes for the basement, the main staircase, and the parquet. The processes of gilding of the first floor, construction of the terrace in the courtyard, installation of an alarm and video surveillance systems will be finished soon.

"We pay particular attention to preservation of cultural heritage sites, because they greatly contribute to the image of this region. The improvement works in "Alferaki Palace" must be completed in 2022", Vasily Golubev said.


The annual number of "Alferaki Palace" visitors is estimated to be approximately 200,000. The museum is mentioned in the Ministry of Culture's program on the upcoming 350th birth anniversary of Peter the Great.