Among the museums and attractions of the St. Petersburg region, Gatchina occupies a special place. Museum-reserve is incredibly popular among tourists. What is remarkable about this palace and park ensemble and what is its history?
The construction of the royal residence
The history of the palace begins in 1765. Then Catherine the Second bought the Gatchina Manor and presented it to Count G. Orlov, thanking him in this way for his support during the palace coup. The construction of the palace was carried out according to the project of the famous architect Antonio Rinaldi. The residence favorably combines the style of an English hunting castle and a Russian manor. Gatchina is a museum reserve located on 146 hectares. It was decided to draw up the area around the Grand Palace in the English style, and it was here that the first landscape park appeared in all of Russia. At the same time, the following were built here: Echo Grotto, Chesmensky Obelisk, Octagonal Well.
Historical facts and changes of the palace and park ensemble
Count Orlov died in 1783, and Gatchina was inherited by his relatives. Then Catherine the Second again bought the palace and park complex and presented it to her son Paul, who later became Emperor Paul the First. It was at that time that the Gatchina State Museum Reserve, which was the royal residence, was gaining its modern look. Under the direction of the architect Vincenzo Brenna and landscape designer, as they would say today, James Hucket, the palace and the park adjacent to it change their shape. A huge number of decorative and farm buildings, new gates and bridges appear. At the same time, in addition to the palace park, regular gardens and Sylvia park appear . In 1798 the Priory Palace was built , the main architect - N. A. Lvov. In 1828, Nikolai the First stayed in Gatchina during seasonal maneuvers in Krasnoye Selo.
Organization of a museum reserve
The Grand Palace and the park adjacent to it were opened for tourists in 1918. But not for long, mere mortals were destined to admire the royal interiors and architecture. The Palace and Park Museum-Reserve (Gatchina) was significantly destroyed during the Second World War. Not only the main buildings were damaged, but also the pavilions and decorative buildings, part of the trees was cut down. Immediately after the war, reconstruction work began. However, there was no talk of a complete restoration of the Grand Palace, but many small buildings were rebuilt. In 1976, the main work began to restore the former appearance to the interiors and facade of the main structure. And after 9 years, the museum began its work again, offering visitors a few halls for inspection. Today Gatchina is open to the public. During the tour you can stroll through the park, as well as explore the Grand Palace.
Gatchina, Museum-Reserve: address and useful information for tourists
The exact address of the palace and park complex: St. Petersburg Region, Gatchina, Krasnoarmeysky Prospect, ownership 1. Excursions in the museum are held from Tuesday to Sunday inclusive, from 10 am to 6 pm. Monday is a day off. Gatchina (museum reserve) offers various excursion programs devoted to certain periods of the history of the palace and park complex. Also, festivals, exhibitions, performances and other cultural events are often held here. On weekends and holidays, you can see professional actors dressed in the court fashion of bygone times. In addition, Gatchina (museum reserve) offers marriage registration ceremonies, as well as graduation kindergartens and balls. In the summer, many come here only to take a walk in the beautiful park and take vivid photographs. Entrance to the territory of the reserve is free of charge; a visit to the Grand Palace and excursion services are paid separately. By public transport, you can get to the museum by train from the Baltiysky railway station or from Moskovskaya metro station by buses and fixed-route taxis No. 18, 18A and 431. Calculate the time of arrival at the reserve, you will need at least 2 3 hours.