Octahedral well, Water well in Palace Park, Gatchina, Russia
The Octahedral Well is a water source with eight evenly carved stone sides located in Gatchina's palace gardens. It sits between the palace's northern section and Silver Lake, forming a visible focal point in the landscape design.
Antonio Rinaldi designed and built this geometric well in 1770 during Catherine the Great's reign. The structure was part of the broader development of the imperial estate at that time.
The well shows how water structures served both practical and decorative purposes in imperial gardens. Its octagonal shape fits naturally into the geometric design patterns of the park layout.
The well sits north of the palace near Silver Lake and is easily reached by walking through the park paths. The best time to visit is during daylight when the surroundings are well lit and all details of the stonework are visible.
The original water engineering of the well operates on principles developed over 250 years ago. Visitors can still see the old pumping and distribution systems embedded in its structure.
Location: Gatchina
Inception: 1770s
Creator: Antonio Rinaldi
Part of: Gatchina Museum-Preserve
GPS coordinates: 59.56372,30.11085
Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:23
Gatchina Palace
161 m
Gatchina Museum-Preserve
298 m
Monument to Paul I of Vitali
259 m
Grotto "Echo"
163 m
Admiralty Gate
305 m
Admiralty
323 m
Terrace near Carp Pond
75 m
Дворцовые конюшни (казармы Кирасирского полка) (Гатчина)
285 m
Karpin bridge
73 m
Terrace-pier
226 m
Treharochny bridge (Gatchina)
307 m
Jordan Well
217 m
Lime Tree Garden, Gatchina
266 m
Ekatherinwerder's Tower
360 m
Flora statue in Gatchina
87 m
Carp Pond, Gatchina
72 m
Статуя «Молодой Сатир» («Мальчик Силен») (Гатчина)
153 m
Water maze, Gatchina
315 m
Lower Dutch Garden, Gatchina
123 m
Winged sfinx (Gatchina Palace)
125 m
Статуя «Амазонка» (копия с оригинала Поликлета) (Гатчина)
130 m
Статуя «Молодой Марс» (Гатчина)
112 m
Private Garden in Palace Park, Gatchina
68 m
Bastion walls with moat and four bridges, Gatchina
275 m
Upper Dutch Garden, Gatchina
227 m
Admiralteysky bridge (Gatchina)
291 m
Статуя «Афина» (Гатчина)
223 m
Chkalov House in Gatchina
388 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover 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