Ruin Tower, Tower in Catherine Park, Russia
Description
The Ruin Tower is a roughly 21-meter structure rising from Catherine Park with a circular pavilion crowning its top. Its Gothic lancet windows open toward views across the park and its adjacent lake.
History
The German-Russian architect Yury Felten designed and built this tower between 1771 and 1773 during Catherine II's reign. Artist A. Belsky later added artificial cracks to its exterior plaster in 1773 to create the appearance of age and decay.
Culture
The structure's name reflects its intentional appearance of age and decay, designed to evoke a sense of timelessness within the garden. Visitors can observe how this romantic aesthetic fits into the park's overall composition as a contemplative landmark.
Practical
The site is generally accessible on most days, allowing visitors to enter and climb to an elevated vantage point overlooking the surrounding park. Sturdy footwear is helpful since the ground in the surrounding area can be uneven.
Did you know?
A Gothic cast-iron gate created at the Demidovsky factory in 1782 represents one of the earliest uses of industrial metal production in Russian architecture. This fusion of romantic design with factory-made metalwork reflects an important shift in how buildings were being constructed during that period.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Pushkin).
Amber Room
944 m
Catherine Park
856 m
Milkmaid fountain, Tsarskoe Selo
529 m
Sophia Cathedral
734 m
Marble Bridge
295 m
Cameron Gallery
846 m
Chesme Column
550 m
Chinese Village
567 m
Turkish Bath
391 m
Shapel in Tsarskoe Selo
660 m
Agate Rooms of Catherine Palace
866 m
Chinese Theatre in Tsarskoe Selo
906 m
Kagul Obelisk
691 m
Church of Catherine Palace
1.1 km
Creaking Pagoda
466 m
Dutch Admiralty
807 m
Saint Sergius of Radonezh church in Tsarskoye Selo
295 m
Pavilion Concert Hall
435 m
Green Dining Room of the Catherine Palace
823 m
Main staircase of the Catherine Palace
944 m
Crimean
257 m
Red Cascade
250 m
Catherine Palace
967 m
Large Chinese Bridge
943 m
Marble fountain in Tsarskoe Selo
756 m
Replica of the Flora Farnese, Tsarskoe Selo
872 m
Replica of the Farnese Hercules, Tsarskoe Selo
859 m
Gothic Gates, Catherine Park
231 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes