The excursion will take approximately 4 hours There

The excursion will take approximately 4 hours. There will be 2 facility stops ( near the Own Garden and near the Admiralty). In the Admiralty restaurant the dinner will be served for us. After the excursion has finished you will have free time.

Alexander Palace Here our excursion starts. This palace has none of old castles magnificence and can look modest even comparing to its neighbor – Catherine palace. It was erected as a present to the grandson of empress Catherine II, Alexander I (then just a Great Duke Alexander). The construction of the palace took 4 years (1792 -1796), the project had been made by architect Quarenghi.

Alexander park is mostly landscape park. Once it was the forest for members of royal family to hunt in. Then it was decided to turn it into a park, as a new fashion had just appeared. Thus forest paths became pavements and the intact nature was somehow civilized at the will of Russian monarchs.

Bridges of Alexander park can not be imagined without it’s bridges. They are: Small Chinese bridges (on the top), Big Chinese one (to the left), Crestovy bridge (to the right) and The Dragon one (at the bottom). They are executed in socalled Chinese style, though, most of them aren’t supposed to copy that style. Cameron Neyelov Monighetti Cameron

Big Catherine Park Following the Big Chinese Bridge we leave Alexander park and enter Catherine park. Its palace is the first to be seen. We will return here at the end of our excursion.

The Own Garden was laid out thanks to the will of emperor Alexander II in 1865. In 1871 -72 the Kagul column dedicated to the victory of Russia in Russian-Turkish war was established. (Architect Rinaldi). The Own Garden was the favorite place for the rest of another Alexander from royal dynasty – the Third one.

The Creeking pagoda The Creeking (Chinese) pagoda was build under supervision of architect Neyelov in 1778 -1786 (according to the project of Felten). During World War II it was badly damaged bat it has been successfully reconstructed by the 300 th anniversary of Tsarskoye Selo.

The Marble Bridge The project of it was carried out by architect Neyelov. Its block were carved in Ekaterinburg and put together in Catherine park by the foreman Tortori and his prentices in 1773 -74. After the bridge being built, the lower part of it was faced with granite. The bridge separates the Big Pond from artificial “Swan” ones (the swans were supposed to be kept there).

The Pyramid seems to be a memento from Ancient Egypt. You may think that Russian tsars aimed to gather all the symbols of royal power with them. Originally the pyramid was made from brickwork but then it was faced with granite plates. Being different from other pavilions of Catherine Park, it doesn’t symbolize any victory of Russia. In fact it was sort of gravestone for the beloved pets of Catherine II. Cameron 1782 -83

The Turkish Bath was planned as a memorial to Russia victory in Russian-Turkish war. Being built in 1850 -1852 (architect Monighetti) it became the latest construction on the Catherine park territory. The bath looks like the Moslem Mosque, its minaret is topped with half-moon. Inside the building a marble basin with a fountain was installed. Now this pavilion is the branch of the State museum in Tsarskoe selo.

The Chesm Column. The Chesm column was established in 1774 -78 (architect Rinaldi) and is dedicated to the Victory of Russia in one of the numerous (as we can see) war with Turkey. The monument is surrounded by water as the Chesm battle was the one between military vessels. This column symbolizes the power of Russian fleet.

The Admiralty The project Admiralty was made by architect Neyelov in 1773. The Admiralty reminds of an ancient castle or fortress. It is build in Gothic style. This is Lanskoy by the way It was supposed to be a repository for vessels (rowing ones) from all over the world. The huge globe brought by Peter I from his European Embassy was also held there. Now the restaurant is located there. So we may come in and have a dinner ^-^

The Morey Column After having finished our dinner we proceed to the regular part of Catherine park (everything before was the landscape one, surprized? ). The Morey column which we see the first is a monument to the victory of Russian fleet over (guess whom) Turkish one. Unfortunately the name of its architect is lost in centuries. Probably it was Rinaldi. The only thing we know is that the column was established in 1771.

The Hermitage of Catherine park is not as luxurious as its elder brother in Saint-Petersburg, though it doesn’t lack grace anyway. Built in the middle of 18 th century (Rastrelli) it reflects the beauty of the Big Palace being an example of Russian Baroque style. The Hermitage is surrounded by a moat. Now the building is opened to public, however, the entry have to be paid.

The Grotto pavilion The Grotto Pavilion was constructed in 1755 -56 according to the project of Rastrelli. Russian empress Catherine II liked to sit there in the morning, watching the panorama of the Big Pond and drinking coffee. Due to this fact the pavilion was also called “Morning Hall”. Sculptures in Antique style can be found inside. Sometimes temporary exhibitions are held there.

The Cameron Gallery The Cameron gallery was planned by Catherine II as a place for philosophical strolls and conversations. Thus built in 1781 -84 Gallery matched all her tastes. The building reminds an Antique temple and is adorned with busts of ancient poets, philosophers and generals. The only Russian there is Lomonosov, who was poet, philosopher and scientist. In front of the Gallery two statues can be seen. These are Hercules and Flora.

The Baths Both Baths were constructed in 1777 -79 under the supervision of brothers Neelovs. While the Upper one is now open for public and temporary exhibitions are held there, the Lower one is now under reconstruction. The Upper One The Lower One The Baths are significant examples of Classical style. The Upper One again

And now we reach the most fascinating point of our excursion: free time. You ca now walk in the park on your own and take some lovely photos. Have a good time!