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Gatchina, Grand Palace — €25

Gatchina is a city in Leningradskaya region, Russia, located 45 km south of St. Petersburg by the road leading to Pskov. It is part of the World Heritage Site St.Petersburg.

Gatchina was honored as the best-kept city of Russia in the beginning of 20th century. The quality of life, education, medical services and public safety in Gatchina were recognized as the best, and it was recommended as an example for other cities in Russia.

The Gatchina Palace was expanded several times by several imperial owners. Rococo interiors were designed by Rinaldi and Vincenzo Brenna and executed by Italian stuccoworkers and Russian craftsmen. Interiors were highlighted with parquetry floors, painted ceilings and walls, and distinctly Italian furniture.

Alexander II of Russia used Gatchina Palace as his second residence during his reign. He built a hunting village and other additions for his Imperial Hunting Crew, and turned the areas south of Gatchina into his retreat, where the Tsar and his guests could indulge in living country-style among unspoiled wilderness and woods of north-western Russia.

Nicholas II, the last Russian tsar, spent his youth in the Gatchina Palace. His mother, Empress Maria Fedorovna, widow of Alexander III, was the patron of the city of Gatchina and Gatchina Palace and parks.

We highly recommend to visit Gatchina ensemble - Palace and Park - and spend there several hours enjoying the architecture, interiors and park area.

The approximate time of getting to Gatchina from the city center by car is 1 hour. The whole excursion to this suburb including back transfer will take 4-5 hours.

Open: 10-18. Closed on Monday.

Address:

Address: Grand Palace, 188350, Gatchina, Krasnoarmeyskiy Pr.1, Leningradskaya region