Italian operas in her home, and took part herself as prima donna. Karamzin was a devoted admirer of her talent. It was in this house in 1829 at a ball of the renowned dancing master Yogel that Alexander Pushkin met the young beauty Natalia Goncharova for the first time, and fell head over heels in love with her. Two years later she became his wife. At house No. 25 a beautiful yellow and white mansion is concealed behind a modest fence. Early last century it was owned by A. Yakoviev, the uncle of A. Hertzen. Hertzen was born here in 1812, and hence the building is often known as 'Hertzen's house'. Literary center In 1920 the house was handed over to writers' organisations, and it became the country's literary centre. Yesenin and Mayakovsky gave readings here. Many Russian writers described Tverskoy Boulevard in their books, for example Leo Tolstoy, Anton Chekhov, Ivan Bunin, Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Bulgakov. This area is one of the cultural centers of Moscow. There are many museums, theatres and galleries here. References Sources Source: "Great Moscow 850: Guide", E.Efimova, 1997 Boulevards in Moscow Ring roads in Moscow Cultural heritage monuments of regional significance in Moscow