::HOME::

::ACCOMMODATION::

::TRANSPORT::

::RENT A CAR::

::TOURS::

::SEA CRUISES::

::SUBURBS::

::ENTERTAINMENT::

::MOSCOW::

::PHOTOGALERY::

::CONTACTS::

::LINKS::

SUBURBS OF ST.PETERSBURG

1. PETERHOF
The former Imperial residence by the sea started with development in 1710s. The most picturesque of all the former imperial residences around St.Petersburg. Located about 29 km from the city centre and in summer can be reached by a hydrofoil just in half an hour. The Lower park with its 180+ fountains is a must during fountain season – approximately from May 09 till October 7. All the fountains have been restored after destruction of WWII.
In the middle of September (on Saturday night) – a unique presentation with fireworks and floodlighting of the fountains.
The Grand Palace was also razed to the ground – and is still being restored inside. It is overloaded in summer – so even a voucher does not guarantee you escaping from an hour in line and from being physically squeezed in a lobby. Subject to off-season visits.
The Cottage – a private residence of tsar Nicholas I built in 1829 – a unique example of a palace for living and not for grand receptions (others – non available). Located aside from the Lower park – it is much less crowded and sometimes even in high season it is possible to feel yourself as a private guest of the tsar in 19th century.
There are about a dozen different museums in Peterhof – but the Lower park is attraction #1.
 
2. PUSHKIN (TSARSKOYE SELO)
Catherine’s palace of this suburb since early 18th century served as one of the most popular summer retreats of the Imperial family. The palace is notable mostly for 2 of its available interiors – the Great hall of more than 800 sq m of glittering gilt baroque woodcarvings and the Amber room – recently re-created wonder showing decorative features of this rare material. In the park there are more pavilions – partly restored after the WWII, partly – in process of restoration (as Catherine’s palace itself – with more rooms being added).

3. PAVLOVSK
This palace – located about 5 km from Pushkin – an example of neo-classical approach of late 18th century with initial design and decoration made after Scottish architect Charles Cameron. The landscape park of some 1500 acres is one of the biggest in Europe. The palace was fully restored after the war.
Visit to Pavlovsk can be easily combined with Pushkin.

4. ORANIENBAUM (LOMONOSOV)
This is the only residence which was not captured and destroyed by Germans during the WWII. Just casual maintenance has been urgently needed. The Chiniese palace of Catherine the Great (built in 1760ies) is definitely the most unique of all our suburban palaces – with parquets of 18th century. The palace is available for visits from May till September.
The Riding Hill pavilion is due to open in summer of 2008.

5. STRELNA
The least interesting place for visits. Konstantinavsky palace here was twice destroyed during 20th century and quickly (in a year) renovated for the presidential Palace of Congresses in 2003 to host tercentenary events. The speed of renovation provided respective quality – it does not look restored inside – but built from the scratch unlike other palaces for which even 50 years have not been enough to restore carefully. It is possible to visit the palace – the venue of 2003 summit and 2006 G8 summit – when no government events take place.
It is not a place worth special visit – unless invited by some government officials (who may have their birthday or wedding parties here).
Presidential cottages nearby are sometimes available at the rate from $3000 a night. One of them served as a retreat of Sir Paul McCartney in 2004 when he had a concert in Palace square in St.Petersburg – and 62nd birthday party.

• Dear Andrej, Upon our safe return home, we would like to thank you most heartily for our extremely interesting visit to St. Petersburg. Your expert guidance and personal care made our visit an experience we shall always remember...

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