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Our second day in St. Petersburg, we drove about 12 miles south of the city to Pushkin to find Catherine Palace, summer residence of the tsars. Here is a first peek through the golden gates. |
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The immensity of the palace is astounding. It was built originally by Catherine I around 1717, but greatly expanded and decorated in rococco style by Elizabeth (the Spender) around mid-century. |
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The palace was totally destroyed by the German army as it retreated from the 900 day seige of Leningrad (St. Petersburg) in January of 1944. The palace is still being restored. |
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The front door. |
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Peter and Eric with the required slippers over their shoes. |
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The main ballroom. All the filigree is covered with real gold. |
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The main ballroom. |
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Again. |
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Part of the ceiling of the main ballroom. The initial stands for "Ekatarina." |
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Entering the Crimson Room from the ballroom, seeing the many decorated doorways to come. |
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Room heater made of Delft tiles. |
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Chess set. |
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Dining room. There are many more rooms being restored. The Amber Room, with walls made totally of amber mosaic, is rebuilt, but photos are not allowed. Video of this at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaeoXWpwmDQ. |
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Neoclassical room, designed by Charles Cameron at the request of Catherine II (the Great). She had him design many additions to the palace and the grounds in this style, rather than the rococco. |
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Dawn |
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Dusk |
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Catherine II |
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Leaving through the gates. |
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