Gatchina is considered one of the most picturesque suburbs of St. Petersburg, thanks to its magnificent nature and parks. This city has inspired poets and artists to create their works.

The State Museum-Reserve "Gatchina" encompasses the territory of the Gatchina estate with parks and palaces created in the second half of the 18th century under Count G. G. Orlov and later under Paul I. The museum-reserve was founded in 1917 by the Provisional Government, and the Gatchina Palace opened to its first visitors in May 1918.

History of the Gatchina Museum-Reserve

In 1765, the Gatchina estate was purchased by Catherine II and gifted to Count Grigory Orlov. Active development began: the Great Gatchina Palace was built and a landscape park was created.

In 1783, after Orlov's death, the estate passed to Catherine II's son, the future Emperor Paul I. His relationship with Gatchina was complex: he chose it as his country residence but did not forget that the palace was built for Orlov, who participated in the conspiracy against his father, Peter III.

Speaking of Gatchina, one cannot forget Alexander III. Although the Gatchina Palace was a summer residence, the emperor spent up to six months here with his family. Alexander and his wife had six children, including the future Emperor Nicholas II.

Alexander III highly valued Gatchina. Count Sheremetev recalled that the heir preferred the Gatchina Palace to other country residences. He loved the silence and simple life in the fresh air. During Alexander III's reign, Gatchina gained new significance in Russian history.

Thanks to imperial support, Gatchina developed rapidly in the 19th century. In 1881, street lighting was introduced, in 1900 Gatchina was recognized as the most well-maintained small town in Russia at the World Exhibition in Paris, and in 1910 the first military airfield in Russia was built here.

After the October Revolution, Gatchina was renamed Trotsk, then Krasnogvardeisk. The city experienced dramatic events, including battles between the Red Army and White Guards and the looting of the palace. During World War II, Gatchina was occupied, and a concentration camp was located here. After liberation in 1944, the city was returned to its historical name.

In the post-war years, Gatchina developed: research institutes, industrial enterprises, new residential areas appeared, and the reconstruction of the Great Palace and parks was carried out.

The Great Gatchina Palace

The construction of the Great Gatchina Palace began under Catherine II under the guidance of architect Antonio Rinaldi. The palace combines features of an Italian palazzo and a medieval castle.

During World War II, the palace was severely damaged. Restoration began in 1976, and some halls have already been restored for visits.

Priory Palace

The Priory Palace, one of the symbols of Gatchina, resembles monastic buildings. It was built on the shores of Black Lake between 1797 and 1799 for the Maltese Order.

Today, the Priory Palace hosts exhibitions and tours, as well as creative evenings and lectures.

Palace Park

The Palace Park, located near the Great Gatchina Palace, covers more than 140 hectares.

Own Garden

The Own Garden, adjacent to the palace, has a regular layout and is decorated with decorative sculptures.

English Garden

The English Garden, the largest part of the Palace Park with lakes and attractions such as the Admiralty and the Humpbacked Bridge.

Lower and Upper Dutch Gardens

These gardens, like the Own Garden, have a regular layout and are intended for walks and events.

Lower and Upper Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are famous for their diversity of plants, many of which were exotic for the local climate.

Water and Forest Labyrinths

These natural labyrinths are located to the east of White Lake and offer walks along winding paths and channels.

Island of Love

The Island of Love, located on White Lake, is adorned with the Pavilion of Venus, which recalls the myth of the birth of the goddess.

Sylvia Park

Sylvia Park, covering about 18 hectares, adjoins the Palace Park and is separated from it by a brick wall. On its territory are the buildings of the former Dairy Farm.