There are many palaces and parks near St. Petersburg. For some reason, the Grand Gatchina Palace and Palace Park aren't very popular among tourists, but they should be—they have much to offer. In the summer, the park also hosts numerous festivals.
History of the Grand Gatchina Palace and Palace Park
The construction of the palace and garden complex in Gatchina is closely linked to the name of Grigory Orlov, a favorite of Catherine the Great. He began the construction of the Grand Gatchina Palace and Palace Park in the 18th century. At this time, the Russian Empire embraced the trend of landscape parks, which were characterized by layouts that mimicked natural landscapes.
The next significant development phase of the park is associated with Paul I. During his time, many structures were added to the park ensemble, some of which have survived to this day. For example, the Octagonal Well and the Venus Pavilion. The Sylvia Park, located to the left of the palace and separated from the main Palace Park, was also laid out during this period.
Later on, the park's structures were mostly reconstructed. Many buildings were destroyed during World War II, and some were later restored, such as the Birch House. However, others are still waiting their turn for restoration.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Gatchina is by train from the Baltic Station, followed by a short walk to the palace. As of August 2018, the fare was 102 rubles.
What to See
The first thing you'll notice is the Grand Gatchina Palace. It looks grand and unique. In the square in front of the palace, there is a sculpture of Paul I. The palace houses a museum, but we decided not to visit it yet, as it's more pleasant to stroll through the park in the summer. We'll save the palace visit for a colder time of year.
The Palace Park itself is beautiful and vast, covering an area of 143 hectares. The landscape is centered around two large lakes: White Lake and Silver Lake. In addition, there are ponds, artificial and natural islands, and charming bridges connecting them all. Walking through this area is pure joy. The landscape offers different perspectives from various points in the park, each impressing anew.
In addition to the palace, there are two other museums in the park: the Venus Pavilion on the Island of Love and the Birch House. The Birch House is clad in simple birch logs, while the interior boasts magnificent decor. Unfortunately, this is a restored replica, as the original was lost during World War II.
We didn’t have much time, so we couldn’t see all the attractions. Learn from our mistake and plan to spend at least four hours in the Palace Park to fully enjoy the garden and park art.
In summary:
- A great place for relaxation;
- Beautiful nature;
- You can take stunning photos.
