Former Azovsko-Donskoi Bank, now part of the Ministry of Finance (Moscow) | medical, Neoclassical (architecture), polyclinic, interesting place, 1912_construction, object of cultural heritage of regional importance (Russia)

 medical, Neoclassical (architecture), polyclinic, interesting place, 1912_construction, object of cultural heritage of regional importance (Russia)

The building was constructed in 1911-1912 by the architect A. N. Zeligson.

The façade somewhat resembles the façade of the German Embassy on St. Isaac's Square in St. Petersburg that was built by the famous German architect, P. Behrens in the same period (1911-1912). In both structures the main motif of the façade is the monumental rhythm of the massive semi-columns built of stone blocks and united by the entablature. The clear, pronounced structure of the building facade, its simple and geometric solutions anticipate the architecture of the 1920-1930-ies. Noteworthy is the use of different textures in the façade (polished red granite, first floor, "rough" rustic columns connecting the second, third and fourth floors) - representative of the Art Noveau era. Despite the originality of the total composition, decorative relief is a failure: for example - the reliefs of male heads in peasant hats, placed between the third and fourth floors and the strange looking animals atop the columns.

The Azov-Don Bank was founded in 1871 in Taganrog. By mid-1890's - the largest provincial bank, and by the end of the 1890's became one of five largest banks in the country. In 1917, after the October Revolution, the bank was liquidated.

Today it is part of the Ministry of Finance.