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3766-05. Hermitage Pavilion in Catherine Park, designed by the Italian court architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in Elizabethan Baroque style. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025Similar picturesLarge thumbnails | Use small thumbnails | View as slideshow |
 Hall on the Island in Catherine Park, view from Ferry Crossing. It was originally built in the late 1740s by the architect Savva Chevakinsky in the Baroque style, with decorations based on sketches by Rastrelli. In 1794, under Catherine the Great, the architect Giacomo Quarenghi completely rebuilt it in the Classical style. He simplified the decor, giving it the restrained, elegant appearance seen today--white walls, large arched windows, and a modest green roof. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Pyramid Pavilion, located in a quiet, shady corner of Catherine Park in Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin). It was originally built in 1770-1772 by the architect Vasily Neyelov and later reconstructed by Charles Cameron in 1782-1783. The pavilion was designed to resemble an ancient Egyptian mausoleum, reflecting the Romantic era s fascination with antiquity and melancholy ruins. It is constructed of brick and faced with trimmed granite. Buried behind the pyramid are three of the Empress s favorite Italian greyhounds: Tom Anderson, Zemira, and Duchesse. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Chinese Gazebo (often called the Creaking Pagoda or Skripuchaya Besedka) which is one of the most eccentric and picturesque structures in Catherine Park. Built between 1778 and 1786, this pavilion was designed by Yury Felten (Georg Friedrich Veldten) at the height of the 18th-century craze for Chinoiserie (Chinese-style art). The pavilion gets its popular nickname from the metal weather vane on its roof. Shaped like a Chinese banner, it was intentionally designed to creak loudly in the wind. Originally, such pavilions served as tea houses or resting spots for the Empress and her court during their walks. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Kitchen Ruin (Kukhnya-Ruina) which is one of the most historically fascinating and visually authentic follies in Catherine Park. Built between 1785 and 1786, it was designed by the Italian architect Giacomo Quarenghi. It was constructed specifically to serve as a "service pavilion" (a kitchen) for the nearby Concert Hall. Quarenghi incorporated authentic ancient Roman fragments into its brick walls. These include broken columns, capitals, cornices, and friezes with carved garlands, which were brought to Russia from Italy. The headless statue in the niche is a prominent feature, emphasizing the theme of lost time and the decay of empires. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Red Cascade or Turkish Cascade in Catherine Park. The Red Cascade is a dam that regulates the water level between the Upper Ponds and the Great Pond. The two "towers" flanking the crossing are designed in the Gothic style, featuring red brick walls with white limestone details, pointed arches, and niche windows. It was built in the 1780s by the engineer Ivan Gerard, likely based on designs by the architect Vasily Neelov. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Hermitage Pavilion in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Entrance of Hermitage Pavilion in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Alley near Hermitage Pavilion in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Entrance of Hermitage Pavilion in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Alley to Hermitage Pavilion in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Devil s Bridge (Chertov Most), also known as the Cascade, located near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Built in the 1770s, likely designed by the architect Vasily Neyelov or possibly Antonio Rinaldi, this structure is a classic example of the romantic "ruin" aesthetic popular in 18th-century landscape gardening. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Hermitage Pavilion in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  Grotto Pavilion and Great Pond (Bolshoy Prud) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Italian Pergola located in the Private Garden (Sobstvenny Sadik) of Catherine Park. The pergola was built in 1865 (mid-19th century) during the reign of Alexander II. It was designed specifically to be covered in climbing plants, creating a shaded walkway or "veranda" that offered respite from the sun while allowing views of the obelisk and the surrounding landscape. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Gothic Gate (Goticheskie Vorota) in the landscape section of Catherine Park. Erected in 1778, the gate was designed by the architect Yury Felten (Georg Friedrich Veldten). The design mimics a Gothic cathedral portal, featuring slender columns that branch into pointed arches with intricate "lace-like" tracery. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Evening Hall (Vecherniy Zal) in Catherine Park. It was built between 1796 and 1810 under the supervision of architect P.V. Neyelov (and possibly Luigi Rusca). This pavilion was intended for evening gatherings, small concerts, and balls. The building is a simple, rectangular Classical structure with a low dome and large arched windows Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Debarcader (train shed) of the Vitebsky Railway Station, Russian Art Nouveau (Style Moderne). Massive riveted steel spans were designed by architect Stanislav Brzhozovsky and engineer Sima Minash. It is serving the historic route to Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin) and Pavlovsk. Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 15, 2025  Azure blue walls and white columns of Grotto Pavilion sitting on the edge of Great Pond (Bolshoy Prud) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Turkish Bath, a picturesque pavilion situated on a small peninsula in the Great Pond in Catherine Park. Commissioned by Emperor Nicholas I, this was the last structure built in the imperial park, completed between 1850 and 1852. It was designed by Ippolito Monighetti, who used the appearance of a Turkish mosque as his inspiration. The building features a central gilded dome, a tall minaret crowned with a crescent, and intricate relief ornaments on the white facade. The pavilion serves as a victory monument to the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-1829. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Baroque stone capital (likely from the dismantled Monbijou Pavilion) featuring reliefs of putti (cherubs), now displayed as a decorative artifact at the entrance of the Pensioner Stable in Alexander Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 21, 2025  Grotto Pavilion in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Pavilion Evening Hall in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Central axis of the "Old Garden" (Regular Park), known as Hermitage Alley (Ermitazhnaya alleya) in Catherine Park. In the 18th century, this alley was the promenade for courtiers moving between the formal receptions at the Palace and the intimate, private parties at the Hermitage. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Children s Island (Ostrov Detskogo Domika) of the Great Pond concealed within the dense autumn foliage in Catherine Park. Built in 1830 by architect Alexei Gornostayev, it was a playhouse created for the children of Emperor Nicholas I. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Hermitage Alley in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Bolshoy Lamskoy Bridge (Great Lamsky Bridge). It was built in 1820-1822 by the Scottish architect Adam Menelaws, who was instrumental in shaping the park s romantic "English" landscape style. The bridge spans the Lamsky Ponds near the Llama Pavilion, originally serving the utilitarian purpose of connecting the Lamsky stables (which housed exotic llamas from Peru) to the rest of the park. Originally a cast-iron structure, it has been carefully restored to preserve its intricate metal latticework railings, which feature a distinct geometric pattern characteristic of the Russian Empire style. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Upper Bath Pavilion reflected perfectly in the Mirror Pond in Catherine Park. This artificial pond was created in 1719-1722, by the garden masters Jan Roosen and Johann Vocht. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Palace from Hermitage Alley in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Upper Bath Pavilion reflected perfectly in the Mirror Pond in Catherine Park. Built in 1777-1779 by the architects Ilya and Vasily Neelov, this pavilion is a fine example of Early Classicism. The building features a modest yet elegant yellow facade with a central arched entrance and circular windows (oculi) adorned with garlands. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Krestovy Bridge (Cross Bridge) located in Alexander Park in the town of Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoe Selo), near Saint Petersburg. It has Chinoiserie (Chinese-style) architecture, popular in the 18th century. A pavilion rests on four joined arches over the canal, creating a cross shape. It features glazed bricks (crimson, yellow, blue) and a curved "fish scale" roof. Built in 1779 by the Neyelovs for Catherine the Great, it is a key landmark of the park s "New Garden" area. Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors of oaks in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Oak foliage near Marble Bridge in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors of maples in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Orange leaves of maples in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Marble Bridge (also known as the Palladian Bridge or Siberian Marble Gallery) in Catherine Park. Built in 1772-1774 by the architect Vasily Neelov, it is modeled after the famous Palladian Bridge at Wilton House in England (designed by Inigo Jones and Roger Morris). The bridge is constructed entirely from Ural marble (hence "Siberian"). It features a covered Ionic colonnade resting on a rusticated arch base. It spans a narrow channel connecting the Great Pond with the smaller neighboring ponds (Swan Islands). Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors near Marble Bridge in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors of Catherine Park from Sadovaya Street. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Group of maple trees near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Maples near the Small Caprice (Malyi Kapriz) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Foliage near Red Cascade showin "Golden Autumn" in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  "Golden Autumn" of the shores of the Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Hermitage Pavilion in Ekaterininsky Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 30, 2011  Kitchen Ruin Pavilion in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, December 3, 2016  Orange leaves of maple trees near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Yellow leaves of maple trees near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Italian Pergola located in the Private Garden (Sobstvenny Sadik) of Catherine Park. The pergola is spectacularly draped in wild grapes (likely Parthenocissus quinquefolia or Virginia Creeper). In October, these vines turn a brilliant crimson and burgundy, creating a stunning contrast with the golden yellow leaves of the nearby trees and the cool grey stone of the columns and the obelisk. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Hermitage Alley in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  Chinese Gazebo (often called the Creaking Pagoda or Skripuchaya Besedka) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors in area of the Small Caprice (Malyi Kapriz) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Rich tapestry of deciduous trees on the shores of the Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Hermitage Alley and a palace in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  Grotto Pavilion and Chesma Pillar on Big Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, December 3, 2016  "Natural" path of English Landscape Park near Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Area near a metal bridge located near the Small Caprice (Malyi Kapriz) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Italian Pergola located in the Private Garden (Sobstvenny Sadik) of Catherine Park. This pergola frames the view of the Kagul Obelisk (Kagulsky Obelisk), which is visible in the background This simple marble needle was erected much earlier, in 1771-1772, by Antonio Rinaldi to commemorate the Russian victory over the Turks at the Battle of Kagul. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  "Framed" perspective looking towards the trees near the Marble Bridge in Catherine Park. The arches create a "picture window" effect, a classic technique in landscape architecture designed to direct the viewer s gaze to specific idealized scenes of nature. The stone ball finials on the balustrade add a rhythmic, formal element that contrasts with the organic chaos of the forest background. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors of Children s Island (Ostrov Detskogo Domika) of the Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Autumn landscape of Third Pond of Grand Cascade in Catherine Park from Pavlovsky Bridge of Sadovaya Street. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  One of the two towers forming the Red (Turkish) Cascade (Krasnyy/Turetskiy Kaskad) in Catherine Park. It serves as both a decorative dam and a symbolic monument. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Secluded path winding through the English Landscape Park, near the Swan Islands at the southern end of the Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Monument to Alexander Lanskoy (often referred to as the Pamyatnik Lanskomu or simply the marble pedestal/urn), located on the Rose Field (Rozovoe Pole) in Catherine Park. It was erected by Catherine the Great in memory of her young favorite, Alexander Lanskoy, who died suddenly in 1784 at the age of 26. The monument is an example of Neoclassical funerary art, likely designed by Antonio Rinaldi or possibly Giacomo Quarenghi. It features a high pedestal made of grey and pink marble, adorned with bas-reliefs and inscriptions (though these are often weathered). Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Katalnaya Gorka Pavilion (Sliding Hill Pavilion), a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture located in the Upper Park of Oranienbaum. Designed by Antonio Rinaldi, this 33-meter-high pavilion is a striking blend of Baroque and early Classicism. Its festive, light-blue and white facade, tiered "wedding-cake" shape, and crowning bell-shaped dome make it resemble a lighthouse rising above the park s trees. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Ramp Alley (Rampovaya Alleya) whic is a historic avenue in Catherine Park, known for its grand canopy of ancient trees and its connection to imperial history. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  The central alley leading to the Arsenal Pavilion, a red-brick neo-Gothic structure designed by Adam Menelaws. Completed in 1834, the Arsenal resembles a medieval castle with crenellated towers and massive arched windows. It was originally built to house Nicholas I s vast collection of medieval arms and armor. The straight alley is a remnant of the formal layout from the earlier "Monbijou" pavilion that stood here, now framed by the mature trees of the surrounding landscape park. After severe damage in WWII, the building was restored and reopened in 2016 as a museum displaying imperial weaponry. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Stone Hall Pavilion (Kammenoe Zalo) in Oranienbaum Park. It is a light pink, two-story stone pavilion designed by architect Antonio Rinaldi (built mid-18th century) for Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich. Originally used for concerts, masquerades, and dances, it later served as a Lutheran church. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Reddish foliage of Children s Island (Ostrov Detskogo Domika) of the Great Pond concealed within the dense autumn foliage in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall foliage of Children s Island (Ostrov Detskogo Domika) of the Great Pond concealed within the dense autumn foliage in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors near Marble Bridge (also known as the Palladian Bridge or Siberian Marble Gallery) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Oak tree in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Old Garden in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Alley in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Parterres in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Big Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  A grotto near the Chapelle pavilion in Alexander Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 6, 2017  Linden trees in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Red Cascade in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 6, 2017  Ramp Alley in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Stone bridge in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Red Cascade in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 6, 2017  Red (Turkish) Cascade in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Cameron Gallery in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Stone bowl in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Linden alley in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Sculpture of Old Garden in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Shore of Big Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Reeds in Big Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Rome Tsezar in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Pier of Big Island in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Fall colors in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Island of Big Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Granite Terraces in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Alley in parterres area in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Leaves in Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Fall colors of an alley in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Oak alley on Rose Field in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 6, 2017  Ramp Alley in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 6, 2017  Reeds in Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016 |