Pavlovsk, Imperial residence town in Pushkinsky District, Russia.
Pavlovsk is a town in Pushkinsky District of Leningrad Oblast, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) south of Saint Petersburg. The townscape centers on the Grand Palace, surrounded by expansive green spaces with winding streams and tree-lined paths.
The town originated in the late 18th century as a gift from Catherine the Great to her son, future Tsar Paul, and his wife Maria Feodorovna. The estate underwent architectural development under architect Charles Cameron and later Vincenzo Brenna until the early 19th century.
Residents use the landscaped park as a recreational space for walks and play, especially on weekends and public holidays. The park remains accessible throughout the year and combines the functions of a historical monument with a public garden.
Travelers reach the town by suburban train from Saint Petersburg in about 35 minutes and can walk directly to the park from the station. The palace and garden areas have separate admission tickets, though the park remains accessible outside building hours.
In the 19th century the first Russian railway line connected the town to Tsarskoye Selo and served not only transport but also entertainment for guests. The station became a meeting point for day-trippers who wanted to stroll in the park with music on weekends.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.