Grotto "Echo", 18th century grotto in Gatchina, Russia
The Echo Grotto is an 18th century underground tunnel connecting Gatchina Palace to Silver Lake through a limestone passage that curves beneath the park. The vaulted corridor receives natural light from four circular windows set into its ceiling and measures around 130 meters in length.
Architect Antonio Rinaldi designed this grotto in 1770 as part of the palace complex while Prince Grigory Orlov owned the estate. The underground passage was a typical addition to the English garden style that was fashionable in Russian noble estates at that time.
The grotto demonstrates how Russian nobility integrated underground structures into their estate gardens as places for contemplation and wonder. These hidden passages reflected the era's fascination with blending architecture into natural surroundings for private enjoyment.
Visitors access the grotto by walking through the palace park paths and should expect cool, damp conditions inside the tunnel. Following the marked routes from the main building helps you navigate the underground passage without getting lost.
The name comes from the tunnel's acoustic properties, which reflect sounds up to four syllables back and surprise visitors with natural echo effects. This unexpected quality of the space is why people still find it memorable today.
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