Alexander Park, Imperial gardens in Tsarskoye Selo, Russia
Alexander Park is an expansive imperial garden in Pushkin near Saint Petersburg combining formal gardens, natural landscapes, and architectural monuments adjacent to Catherine Palace. The grounds feature geometric garden sections alongside less structured natural areas and include both Alexander Palace and the Chinese Village.
Development of the park began in the 1740s under Empress Elizabeth with geometric garden layouts reflecting the formal tastes of that period. Alexander Palace was constructed between 1792 and 1796, becoming a defining feature of the grounds.
The Chinese Village within the park features ten cottages arranged around an octagonal pagoda, reflecting how Russian architects of that era interpreted Asian design traditions. Walking through these structures, visitors can sense the imperial fascination with distant cultures.
The park can be entered from several points, including the main gate opposite Catherine Palace and access near Alexander Palace. The pathways are well-maintained and allow visitors to choose their own routes based on areas they wish to explore.
The northern section contains a cemetery with graves of over 110 imperial horses that held special significance for the royal family until 1917. This burial ground reveals how valued these animals were in the daily life of the court.
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