Today, in 1710, architect Antonio Rinaldi was born in Palermo. In 1751, Rinaldi signed a seven-year contract and was invited to serve in Russia. In 1754, he became the architect of the small court, joining the inner circle of the future Emperor Peter III. At the suggestion of the heir to the throne, Rinaldi began his work in Oranienbaum, where he built the palace of Peter III, the Opera House, the ensemble of the Imperial Summer Residence with the Chinese Palace and the Catalan Hill. In addition, the architect later designed the Marble Palace, Prince Vladimir Cathedral, the Grand Palace in Gatchina, and St. Catherine's Cathedral in Yamburg in the capital.