Augustin de Betancourt (Августин Августинович Бетанкур, 1758–1824) was a Spanish and Russian engineer, an organizer of construction works in the Russian Empire, who played a key role in the urban transformation of Nizhny Novgorod in the first quarter of the 19th century.
Connection to Nizhny Novgorod
Betancourt took a direct part in planning the trans-river district of Nizhny Novgorod (Zarechye). Osharskaya Square by him together with V. I. Guesté in 1823–1824: the square was conceived as rectangular and was situated at the end of the street of the same name.
Betancourt's name is also mentioned in connection with the history of the Nizhny Novgorod Fair — Russia's largest trading venue — for the development of which the empire's leading engineers and architects were engaged during this period.
Activity in the Russian Empire
In St. Petersburg, Betancourt served on the commission for the construction of St. Isaac's Cathedral. Together with M. A. Miloradovich, he petitioned Alexander I for the consecration of the church at the Admiralty on the emperor's birthday and for the church to be named in honor of St. Spyridon. The petition was granted on 10 December 1821, and on 12 December of the same year the church was consecrated.