Catherine Palace

Catherine Palace is a Baroque residence in Pushkin with blue-and-white walls trimmed in gold that extend across a large area. Inside, it contains richly decorated rooms and the famous Amber Room, which took decades to restore after it was destroyed during World War II.

An estate was given as a gift in 1717 to the wife of Peter the Great, beginning the site's history. Empress Elizabeth later transformed it into a grand structure that became one of the main imperial residences.

This residence served as a symbol of imperial power and taste, with its golden ornaments and grand rooms reflecting how the royal family wanted to be seen by others. The decoration choices and layout still reveal the values and lifestyle of those who lived here.

The best time to visit is during spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is comfortable for exploring. Plan to spend several hours here since the building and grounds cover a large area and have much to see.

The Amber Room was reconstructed after being destroyed in World War II, but the fate of the original panels remains unknown. This unsolved mystery adds an extra layer of intrigue to visiting this famous chamber.

Location: Pushkin

Inception: 1717

Founders: Catherine I of Russia

Architects: Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli

Official opening: July 30, 1756

Architectural style: baroque architecture, Elizabethan Baroque

Part of: Tsarskoye Selo

Website: http://tzar.ru

GPS coordinates: 59.71611,30.39556

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:27