Hermitage pavilion in Tsarskoe Selo‎

The Hermitage Pavilion is a Baroque building with white columns and turquoise walls decorated with sixty-four ornamental columns, stucco garlands, and sculpted masks. The structure sits on an artificial island surrounded by a moat and features an intricate interior layout with detailed window frames and classical architectural elements.

Construction started in 1744 and finished in 1754, with Mikhail Zemtsov beginning the project and Bartolomeo Rastrelli later redesigning the facades under Empress Elizabeth. The shift in designers shows how architectural tastes evolved during the height of Russian Baroque style.

The painted ceilings depict mythological scenes that created a refined setting for the nobility to gather and contemplate art together. This decoration reveals how the building served as a retreat where educated guests could appreciate classical stories and enjoy sophisticated company.

The building sits about fifteen minutes walking from Catherine Palace and is easy to reach on foot. The surrounding water and island setting make sturdy footwear advisable, and visitors should allow time to explore the exterior before moving on.

Inside the building was a sophisticated mechanical dining system with lifting tables that allowed guests to order meals by sending written notes to kitchen staff below. This cleverly designed mechanism demonstrates how 18th century engineers catered to both luxury and privacy for the nobility.