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Tsarskoye Selo is a place where history comes alive. Just 26 km from St. Petersburg lies the majestic Catherine Park, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a 107-hectare garden full of architectural masterpieces and beautiful landscapes, where every corner keeps the memory of Russian sovereigns.
History and location of Catherine Park
Once this area was called "Saari Mois" (translated from Finnish - "elevated place"). Over time, the name turned into "Saarskaya Manor", and then into the legendary Tsarskoye Selo. Peter I gave these lands to his wife Catherine I. According to legend, the emperor personally planted the first oaks and plane trees here to please the future empress.
Highlights and what to see nearby
Catherine Park harmoniously combines two parts - the strict regular Old Garden and the picturesque landscape English Park.
Catherine Palace. A grandiose Baroque building with an ornate facade about 300 meters long. About 100 kg of gold was used for the interior and exterior decoration. The main treasure of the palace is the legendary Amber Room, fully recreated by 2003.
Cameron Gallery. Created for the walks and reflections of Catherine II, decorated with busts of ancient philosophers and emperors.
Hermitage Pavilion. Known for its mechanical tables that rose from the first floor to the second, allowing dining without the presence of servants.
Fountain "Girl with a Pitcher". A symbol of the park celebrated by Alexander Pushkin. The bronze figure of a milkmaid sits over a broken pitcher, from which a stream of spring water flows.
Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Connected by an arch to the palace. Alexander Pushkin and many other outstanding figures of Russia studied here.
Catherine Park: interesting historical facts
Turkish Bath. In the landscape part of the park, it resembles a mosque - a whim of Nicholas I in memory of the war with Turkey.
Chesme Column. Topped with an eagle breaking a crescent moon with its talons — a symbol of the Ottoman Empire.
Pyramid by the Marble Bridge. Nearby is the Pyramid — the resting place of Catherine II's beloved dogs.
Flute at the palace. From May to October, a flute sounds daily in front of the palace — Sasun Arakelyan has been playing here for over 30 years, becoming a living symbol of the park.
Useful information for tourists
From May to October, entry to Catherine Park is paid, while in winter (from November to April) you can stroll for free. You can get there from St. Petersburg by commuter train from Vitebsky Station or by minibuses from metro stations.
Excursions and visits
Ready to see the "eighth wonder of the world" with your own eyes? Book a tour to Pushkin and Catherine Park right now. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of palace secrets, the glitter of gold, and shady alleys where emperors once walked.
Excursion to Pushkin from Saint Petersburg
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