On the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland lies a unique example of Baroque architecture, the Konstantinovsky Palace. This 18th-century palace and park ensemble includes estate buildings and extensive gardens in the style of Versailles. Due to its beauty and favorable location, the palace became a government residence and a meeting place for heads of state.

Ambitious Project of Peter I's Palace

In 1907, Emperor Peter I declared the need for a ceremonial residence, inspired by Versailles, the famous palace and park ensemble near Paris. Impressed by its grandeur, Peter decided to build a palace that would rival the French in luxury.

The construction was intended not only to beautify the suburbs of St. Petersburg but also to demonstrate the power of the Russian Empire. The palace with gardens and fountains was conceived as a symbol of victory in the Northern War.

Many architects worked on the project, including Sebastiano Cipriani, Jean-Baptiste Le Blond, and Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Ultimately, the project by Nicolo Michetti, the court architect from 1719 to 1723, was approved. Construction began on May 22, 1720.

A distinctive feature of the Konstantinovsky Palace is the three-part ceremonial arch created by Michetti. Legend has it that this design impressed Rastrelli, who later designed the arch of the General Staff.

Strelna was chosen for construction not by chance. This was a place Peter I loved for country retreats and planned to build a palace with a vast park here. However, hydrological studies showed that creating fountains in Strelna was impossible without a complex system of plumbing. Therefore, the palace and gardens were moved to Peterhof, where the Peterhof Palace is located today.

On June 16, 1720, the Grand (Konstantinovsky) Palace was laid in Strelna, which Peter gifted to his daughter Elizabeth. However, after his death in 1725, construction ceased.

Attempts to complete the construction were made during Elizabeth's reign. The project was entrusted to Rastrelli, but he also did not manage to finish the palace. A redesign was carried out, and a ceremonial staircase was built.

In constructing the new walls, Rastrelli used large bricks from Latvia, brought from the construction of the Rundale Palace.

From Imperial Residence to Grand Ducal Holdings

Over time, the status of the palace changed. In 1797, it passed to Konstantin Pavlovich, who began repairs and construction. Architect Andrei Voronikhin, the author of the Kazan Cathedral, worked on the project.

The condition of the palace was deplorable. Trees grew on the terraces, drafts blew through the windows, and the wind roamed the corridors. Classicism came into fashion, and the interiors were decided to be decorated in the antique style. However, a fire in 1803 destroyed almost all the work.

After that, restoration continued on a larger scale. Prince Konstantin invited Swedish architect Luigi Ruska. As a result, the appearance of the palace changed, and new rooms were added, including an officer's room and a stable.

In 1847, the owner became Konstantin Nikolaevich, the son of Nicholas I. A new reconstruction began under the guidance of Christian Meyer and Andrei Stakenschneider. Later, the family of Konstantin Konstantinovich spent time here.

The Grand Strelna Palace

The name of the complex is likely associated with the names of the last three owners, the Konstantin princes. Before the 1917 revolution, the building was called the "Primorsky Imperial House" or the "Country Palace of Strelna."

Revolution and the 20th Century

After the assassination of King George I in 1913, his widow Olga, daughter of Konstantin Nikolaevich, lived in the palace. After the 1917 revolution, the palace was confiscated and declared a monument of architecture. However, over time it fell into disrepair, and the gardens became overgrown.

In the late 1920s, the palace was handed over to a special school-colony. Classrooms were set up in the rooms, and gardens were arranged in the park. Unique parquet floors, chandeliers, and interior furnishings were lost.

In 1937, a sanatorium was opened here, and later the building was handed over to naval courses. During the war, the palace and park suffered greatly. In 1941, the Germans set up headquarters here. Fires and looting turned the palace into ruins.

By 1950, the building was restored, including by the efforts of cadets from the Arctic School. The premises were repurposed for educational needs. The Marble and Blue Halls were restored, but due to a lack of funding, many ideas were simplified.

In 1986, a fire occurred, severely damaging the roof. A second restoration began, which was not completed. After the closure of the school, the palace fell into decline again. It was recognized as an object of historical and cultural heritage and included in the UNESCO lists.

A New Life in the 21st Century

In 2000, the palace was handed over to the Presidential Administration. A large-scale restoration began, including the park areas. The work was carried out according to preserved drawings and documentation. The appearance of the facades, interiors, and park was restored.

The palace was prepared for ceremonial receptions, and new buildings were added. The territory saw the emergence of the "Baltic Star" hotel, a cottage village, ponds, and fountains. All work was completed in a short time. The opening took place on May 30-31, 2003, in honor of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. Today, the complex is called the "Congress Palace" and serves as the residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

The Palace Today

The Konstantinovsky Palace in the Baroque style has two ceremonial entrances. The interior layout and decor are done in the style of the 19th century. The facade was restored according to the drawings of N. Michetti. The palace has three main halls: the Marble, Blue, and Belvedere.

The Belvedere is used for unofficial meetings and is styled like an admiral's cabin. Here you can see ship chests, models of sailing ships, and a unique globe. State events are held in the Marble Hall, while conferences and concerts take place in the Blue Hall.

Museum Complex

More than 40 paintings from the Hermitage and the Russian Museum were brought in to decorate the lounges. In 2005, four paintings from Germany were transferred to the palace. There is a collection gathered by Mstislav Rostropovich and his wife, including works by Boris Grigoriev and other artists.

In the palace, you can see collections of silver, porcelain, artistic glass, and antique furniture. A unique wine collection is stored in the basements, available for viewing and tasting.

Adjacent Territory

The surroundings of the palace are designed in the best traditions of French garden and park art. The territory is divided into Lower and Upper Parks. Thanks to the updated system of canals, yachts and river vessels dock at the palace.

Museum-Residence in Strelna Today

The Konstantinovsky Palace serves as a venue for official meetings and remains an active museum. More than one hundred thousand tourists visit it annually. Cultural and scientific events, concerts, and exhibitions are held here. It is possible to rent premises for celebrations and holidays. Themed exhibitions and costume balls are organized for children.