Tsarskoye Selo was a favorite place of the great Empress Catherine II, who constantly improved her palace, sparing no expense and attracting the best craftsmen. One day, she conceived the idea of surprising Western rulers by creating the Agate Rooms, which will be discussed here.

History of the Creation of the Agate Rooms in Tsarskoye Selo

Today, Tsarskoye Selo is called the city of Pushkin, but in the 18th century, its main attraction was the Catherine Palace. Catherine II sought perfection in every detail of the palace, working on projects together with architects. Tsarskoye Selo was called the Russian Versailles, which was a source of pride for the empress. In 1779, the Cold Baths with the Agate Rooms were built according to the design of architect Charles Cameron.

The Agate Rooms continue to amaze both art historians and tourists. The Cold Baths are located next to the palace and are connected to its Zubovsky wing. The hanging garden includes a gallery named after Cameron, while the Agate Rooms are on the upper floor. From the outside, they look like a separate pavilion with a park designed as a wide ramp. All buildings are connected by colonnades of various sizes. Construction began in 1780, and more than 100,000 rubles were spent annually on its implementation, with the involvement of about 4,000 workers.

The Cold Baths are a rectangular building. The basement floor used Pudosky stone from under St. Petersburg. The doors are arched, while the windows are rectangular or semi-circular. Some walls have niches for sculptures, and the tops of the walls are decorated with bas-reliefs. The second floor is done in soft yellow tones with terracotta niches. The main facade is adorned with columns forming a portico-rotunda. In the niches of the risalits are large window-doors and bronze busts. On one side is a statue of Cupid, and on the other, Cupid and Psyche, created by sculptor Rashet.

Previously, stone sculptures stood at the main facade, later replaced by bronze busts by Laborer Sigismund Aden. The busts stood on marble pedestals created by Russian stonecutter Ivan Semyonov. Masters from different countries participated in the decoration of the facade, including Karl Goffert and Rashet. The construction of the Cold Baths was completed in 7 years.

Description of the Agate Rooms in Tsarskoye Selo

The Agate Rooms got their name from the agate used in their decoration. The decor included various colors of agate, marble, and Ural gemstones, as well as elements of ancient style. The empress was a fan of Ancient Rome. Cameron aimed to create functional spaces that would be comfortable at any time of the year. Unfortunately, not all decorative elements have survived to this day.

There are sketches and drawings that help restore the former appearance of the Cold Baths. On the upper floor were the Green and Pink Lounges made of marble, intended for relaxation and conversations. The same floor housed the Jasper and Agate Studies, filled with works of art. The Agate Study was connected to the baths by a staircase. The baths were created according to the canon of Vitruvius and included a dressing room with a cool pool, a room with sofas, and a warm bath. The hot bath consisted of a massage room, a relaxation room, and a steam room. Catherine II loved Cameron's gallery, which offered a view of the town of Sofia, the park, and the lake. The columns were arranged in such a way as not to obscure the natural beauty and to allow enjoyment of sunlight.

During World War II, the Agate Rooms were severely damaged, but they were restored. Reconstruction began in the last decades when the interior began to deteriorate. 25 tons of marble and jasper were used for the finishing, which were carefully polished for shine.

Visiting Hours for the Agate Rooms in Tsarskoye Selo

The palace can only be visited in the summer; no tours are conducted in winter. The day off is Thursday; on other days, entry is open from 10:00 to 18:00. The schedule may change due to weather.

Ticket Prices for the Agate Rooms in Tsarskoye Selo

Children under 16 can visit the palace for free. An adult ticket costs 300 rubles, while for students and children over 16, it is 150 rubles. Pensioners from Russia and Belarus pay 150 rubles.

How to Get to the Agate Rooms in Tsarskoye Selo?

The most convenient way to reach the palace is by train. From St. Petersburg, you can take a suburban train to the Tsarskoye Selo station in the city of Pushkin. There is a bus stop near the station, and any bus goes to the Park stop. Upon getting off at this stop, you will immediately see the palace. You can also take a bus tour to Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo).