One of the main attractions of the suburbs of Saint Petersburg is the beautiful palace and park complex in Peterhof. The magnificent interiors of the Grand Palace and the famous fountains of the Lower Park consistently attract a large number of tourists. However, not everyone may know that nearby stands another interesting structure — the Gothic Palace Stables. I invite you on a small virtual tour of this unique architectural monument.
How to Join The Tour
The stable complex is closed to mass tourist visits. However, I’m sure my regular readers already know how to visit such places: by signing up for a free tour with the "Open City" project. This organization offers a wonderful opportunity for both city guests and locals to see the interiors of majestic palaces or take a guided tour of the city.
The current season of "Open City" ends in just a few weeks, but if you wish, you can come here in winter. Although you won't be able to enter the buildings, you can take a walk around the vast complex. The facade decorations of the buildings and the unusual shape of the structures make for an interesting architectural walk.
A Bit of History
The Palace Stables complex, built in the Gothic Revival style, was constructed between 1848 and 1855. The architect who designed the building was Nikolai Leontievich Benois, a member of the renowned Benois family. In addition to the stables, the master also worked on other Peterhof buildings, including the hospital, post office, almshouse, the Frailins' houses, and, of course, the famous railway station at "Novo-Peterhof."
The Peterhof Stables included a large number of various buildings intended to service the stables. There were over 300 stalls, as well as a forge, staff residences, haylofts, and an arena building.
For a long time, during the Soviet era, the former Imperial Stables housed the "Petrodvorets" sanatorium, which operated until 2013. Restoration work is currently underway on the complex.
During the tour of the complex, visitors can stroll through the inner courtyards of the stables, learn about the history and architectural features of the buildings, and, of course, visit the arena, the only building that has been restored so far.
By the way, the stable complex has also appeared in film: in the 1960s, it was used as a filming location for the movie Three Fat Men, based on the novel by Yuri Olesha.
Well, our walk through this fascinating historical site comes to an end, and it’s time to continue exploring Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region. If you are a fan of Gothic architecture, I recommend visiting the nearby Alexandria Park, just a short walk from the stables, and checking out the stunning Gothic Chapel, which once served as the family chapel of Nicholas I.
In summary:
- An interesting complex with unusual architectural details;
- Visits to the site are only possible as part of a guided tour;
- Perfect for a route through Peterhof’s Gothic landmarks.
