Sights of Strelna have been on the lists of the most beautiful monuments of Russia for many years. The small village, located 20 km from St. Petersburg, attracts more and more tourists every year. In Peter's times, the construction of a suburban residence began here. At this time, the famous monuments appeared: wooden and Konstantinovsky palaces, Strelninsky park. So, the main character of our publication is the village of Strelna. Sights (how to get here, we will tell a little below) it is the subject of this article.
From the history of Strelna
The village of Strelna in St. Petersburg, whose sights still attract tourists from all over Russia, at the beginning of the 18th century. was in the possession of the imperial family. "Russian Versailles" - that was the name of this place in Peter's times. Under the great Russian emperor, a wooden Track Palace was laid here. A little later, in 1720, the construction of the Konstantinovsky castle began. Then, a beautiful Strelninsky park was arranged near it.
In 1722, the village passed into the possession of Elizabeth. During her reign, Peterhof became the country house of the rulers, and Strelna performed the functions of the traveling residence. Sights, photos of which can be seen below, have historical value.
In 1797, the imperial territories became the property of Konstantin Pavlovich (son of Paul I).
During the Second World War, Strelna was captured by German troops. This territory was used as a springboard for shelling Leningrad.
In 2003, a state complex called the Congress Palace was established on the territory of the former railway residence.
Excursion to Strelna
Every year, hundreds of travelers come to the village to see the sights of Strelna. You can get here in several ways:
- By train, they run daily from the Baltic Station in St. Petersburg. A significant drawback of this option is that you need to walk from the terminal Strelna station to the main attractions.
- By shuttle bus - the fastest and most convenient way to get to the former travel residence. Buses run daily from St. Petersburg to the Upper Park Strelna.
- Tram from Avtovo metro station.
It is best to start your Strelna tour from the Trinity-Sergius desert. After visiting the holy places, you can go to the main attraction - the Konstantinovsky Palace. The next object to be seen is the Travel Palace. Then, to learn more about the noble family of the Orlovs, you need to visit the Oryol estate and the park. And an amazing journey through Strelna should be completed in the Russian village of Shuvalovka.
So, let's talk in more detail about the main attractions of Strelna.
Konstantinovsky Palace
According to the plans of Peter I, this palace was to overshadow the French Versailles with its beauty and perfection. For its design and construction, the most famous masters were involved - Nicolo Michetti, B. Rastrelli. Unfortunately, after the death of the emperor, the unfinished palace was neglected. Prior to the transfer of ownership of Konstantin Pavlovich, he served as a wine storage. The building acquired its modern appearance only at the beginning of the 19th century. Architect A.N. Voronikhin completely changed the interior of the palace. He remade the interior in antique style.
During the Second World War, the palace and park ensemble was almost completely destroyed. Its reconstruction was completed only in 2003.
Today the Konstantinovsky Palace is open to the public. There is also a museum. The exposition of the Konstantinovsky Palace presents collections of paintings collected by Mstislav Rostropovich and Galina Vishnevskaya.
Palace Palace
The Track Palace in Strelna is the earliest building on the territory of the imperial residence. Its construction began in 1716. Such famous architects as Voronikhin, Bartolomeo, Rastrelli took part in the design and construction of the Travel Palace. The area around the building was arranged: there was an orchard, a beekeeper, a vegetable garden.
Today the Travel Palace has been completely restored and is open to the public. Among the exhibits exhibited in the building, attention is drawn to a lifetime portrait of the great emperor Peter I. In addition, here you can see an imprint of the hand of the Russian ruler and a patchwork rug sewn by Catherine I.
Trinity-Sergius desert
Speaking about the attractions of Strelna, one cannot but mention the Trinity-Sergius Deserts. This is a man’s monastery founded in the XVIII century. On its territory are ancient churches, cathedrals, chapels and a beautiful garden. Here, at Trinity Cathedral, once was the only monastery belfry.
Today, of particular interest to tourists is the church in the name of St. Gregory the Theologian. It was built in the middle of the XIX century. The uniqueness of the temple lies in the fact that it was erected on the grave of favorite Paul I, Count Kushelev. Today the church is under restoration.
Another interesting object of the Trinity-Sergius desert is the chapel in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, located on the coast of the Port Canal.
Oryol estate and park
Oryol Manor is the former possession of Count Orlov, transferred to him for his services during the suppression of the Decembrist uprising. To arrange his territory, he invited the architect Sadovnikov. Through his efforts, these lands were turned into a beautiful park with unusual fountains, unique statues and intricate labyrinths.
Today, on the territory of the former Oryol estate, you can see the ruins of the count's castle, a well, as well as the most beautiful Lviv palace, built in the Gothic style.