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Alexander Park in Tsarskoye Selo is a unique place created in the second half of the 18th century under Catherine II. Here the grandeur of imperial history combines with the quiet and comfort of shady alleys. Unlike the neighboring Catherine Park, admission here is completely free, which makes Alexander Park in Pushkin especially attractive for leisurely strolls and getting acquainted with the sights of Tsarskoye Selo.
Location and how to get to the park
Alexander Park is located in the historic center of the town of Pushkin and surrounds Catherine Park. The fastest way to get here is by commuter train from Vitebsky railway station in St. Petersburg, or by bus from the Moskovskaya metro station. The park is conveniently included in a walking route around Tsarskoye Selo together with the Catherine Palace and other sights of Pushkin.
How to get there
By commuter train: from Vitebsky railway station in St. Petersburg to the "Tsarskoye Selo" station. Travel time is about 30 minutes.
By bus: from the metro stations "Moskovskaya", "Kupchino" or "Zvezdnaya". Travel time is 40-60 minutes (depending on traffic).
By car: via Pulkovskoye Highway, about 40-50 minutes.
Center of the park: Alexander Palace
The main attraction of the park is the Alexander Palace in Pushkin, a masterpiece of classicism built by the architect Giacomo Quarenghi for the grandson of Catherine II, the future Emperor Alexander I. Later the palace became the favorite residence of the family of Nicholas II. It was from here in August 1917 that the royal family was sent into exile to Tobolsk. Today the Alexander Palace is a museum dedicated to the history of the last Romanovs and one of the key sites of Tsarskoye Selo.
Alexander Park and its interesting places and attractions
Alexander Park is one of the largest parks of Tsarskoye Selo. Its area is about 188 hectares, and the territory is divided into a regular and a landscape part. Important historical sites are concentrated here.
The Chinese Village
Built in an oriental style under Catherine the Great. In one of the little houses lived the historian Nikolai Karamzin, working on "History of the Russian State". Today the Chinese Village has been fully restored and is used as guest apartments.
The Arsenal Pavilion
A monumental building in neo-Gothic style, reminiscent of a medieval castle. In the 19th century it housed the unique weapons collection of Emperor Nicholas I.
Bridges with character
The Dragon Bridge and the Great Chinese Bridge are decorated with sculptures of Chinese figures, decorative elements and wrought branches of coral.
The Children's House
A small pavilion, next to which is an unusual place - the cemetery of the imperial dogs, a rare and touching monument of palace life.
Fascinating historical facts
Why "Caprices"
The Great and Small Caprices are earthen arch-passages, named so by the will of Catherine II. Approving large budgets, the empress hesitated, but in the end said: "So be it - this is my caprice."
The mystery of Rasputin
In 1916, Grigory Rasputin was secretly buried in Alexander Park. Later his body was exhumed and destroyed, but a memorial cross has been installed at the supposed burial site.
The spring
Not far from the Arsenal Pavilion there is a natural spring with clean drinking water - a popular resting place among walkers.
When is the best time to walk in Alexander Park
Alexander Park is beautiful at any time of the year. In spring the alleys bloom and the lawns turn green, in summer it is pleasant to walk in the shade of the trees, in autumn the park is especially picturesque, and in winter on a sunny day it is unique in its fairy-tale snowy attire. It suits absolutely everyone - families with children, romantic couples for photo shoots, curious tourists, as well as lovers of history and architecture.
Would you like to learn more about the history of Tsarskoye Selo and see the imperial palaces with your own eyes? Book a tour today and discover the hidden treasures of Pushkin!
Tours around Saint Petersburg
Tsarskoye Selo is conveniently visited as part of a one-day tour: this way you will manage to see not only Alexander Park and the Lyceum, but also the main points of Pushkin - palaces, parks and atmospheric walking routes without unnecessary logistics.
Excursion to Pushkin from Saint Petersburg
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