Home Destinations Saint Petersburg The Lyons Hall of the Catherine Palace

The Lyons Hall of the Catherine Palace

Let’s continue our walk through the magnificent Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo. Last time, we visited the legendary Amber Room, which was restored for St. Petersburg’s 300th anniversary. Sixteen years later, another stunning interior was recreated here — the Lyons Hall, and today I invite you to explore it with me.

The Lyons Hall of the Catherine Palace
The Lyons Hall of the Catherine Palace
The hall received its name thanks to the silk used in its decor, which was produced at a manufactory in the French city of Lyon
The hall received its name thanks to the silk used in its decor, which was produced at a manufactory in the French city of Lyon

A Bit of History

The Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo was founded in 1717 during the lifetime of Peter the Great. It was named after his wife, Catherine I. Over the years, the building underwent numerous reconstructions, acquiring its current appearance in 1756 during the reign of Peter’s daughter, Elizabeth I. The famous architect Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli led the work, creating what became known as the "Golden Enfilade."

A magnificent chandelier
A magnificent chandelier
The golden walls contrast with the deep blue stone, lapis lazuli
The golden walls contrast with the deep blue stone, lapis lazuli

Rastrelli’s interiors included five antechambers, designed as waiting rooms for receptions. Under Catherine II, two of these were replaced by new halls — the Arabesque Room and the Lyons Hall. The project for this transformation was led by Charles Cameron, the architect responsible for the Agate Rooms, the Cold Baths, and the Cameron Gallery in the Catherine Palace Park.

Ceiling decoration
Ceiling decoration
The reopening of the restored hall took place in 2019
The reopening of the restored hall took place in 2019

The Lyons Hall owes its name to the silk used in its decoration, which was produced at a factory in Lyon, France. The golden walls contrast beautifully with lapis lazuli, a rich blue stone. The hall's interiors were updated multiple times, including changes to the wall color, which at one point was even crimson.

In the future, there are plans to restore the historical parquet made of several types of wood
In the future, there are plans to restore the historical parquet made of several types of wood
The monogram of Empress Maria Alexandrovna
The monogram of Empress Maria Alexandrovna

The room's décor was destroyed during World War II. However, today we can admire its beautifully restored interior. Although the reconstruction project was designed during Soviet times, the restored hall was officially opened only in 2019.

Sculpture by the window
Sculpture by the window
Of the 32 pieces of furniture, 27 have survived since the Great Patriotic War
Of the 32 pieces of furniture, 27 have survived since the Great Patriotic War

Visiting the Lyons Hall is part of the main tour of the Catherine Palace. In November 2024, the ticket price for foreign visitors is 2,100 rubles. Tickets can be purchased at the palace’s box office.

Nearby is the Arabesque Hall
Nearby is the Arabesque Hall
The interior here is no less ceremonial
The interior here is no less ceremonial
One of the most famous rooms of the palace is the Grand Hall, or the Light Gallery
One of the most famous rooms of the palace is the Grand Hall, or the Light Gallery

Early spring in St. Petersburg is an excellent time to visit the imperial residences. The weather is warming up, but the summer tourist crowds have yet to arrive. Moreover, visitors from Asia are currently rare in the city. Take advantage of this quiet period to explore the interiors of other palaces, such as Pavlovsk or Gatchina, in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy your exploration of the city!

In summary:

  • An exquisite restored interiorm;
  • The tour covers many halls of the palace, including the famous Amber Room;
  • A 50% discount on tickets is available for pensioners, students, and cadets.
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