 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  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  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  Marble Bridge (also known as the Palladian Bridge) in Catherine Park, Pushkin, enveloped in the vibrant colors of a Russian autumn. Built in the 1770s, it features a graceful colonnade of Ionic columns carved from blue-grey Ural marble, resting on a sturdy granite base. The bridge spans a narrow channel connecting the Great Pond to smaller neighboring ponds and the "Swan Islands." In the foreground, several mallard ducks glide peacefully across the water. 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  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  Oak foliage near Marble Bridge in Catherine Park. 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  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  Memorial Gates "To My Dear Fellow Servants", a historical monument located on the boundary of the Catherine Park in Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo). 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  Marble Bridge of Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 23, 2019  Great Pond and Marble Bridge in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  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  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  Monument of heroes of Great October Socialist Revolution in Alexander Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Great Pond in Catherine Park, near Marble Bridge. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Marble Bridge of Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Marble Bridge at Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Monument of glory to fallen heroes fought for Great October Socialist Revolution in Alexander Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  Reflections of Marble Bridge in Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Great Pond and Marble Bridge in Ekaterininsky (Catherine) Park of Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 25, 2017  A poetic tribute "Pushkin was here" to the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in Catherine Park. The symbols on the bench carry specific meanings related to his time at the Imperial Lyceum (located just nearby), where he studied from 1811 to 1817. The Bicorne Hat (Cocked Hat): This represents the uniform worn by the students of the Imperial Lyceum. The Open Book: A symbol of his literary genius and his constant immersion in reading and writing poetry, often done while wandering this very park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Marble Bridge and Empty Island in Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Fall foliage around Marble Bridge in Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Fall colors around Marble Bridge of Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  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  Swan Ponds and Marble Bridge in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 6, 2017  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  Marble Bridge in west area of Big Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 6, 2017  "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  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  Oak alley on Rose Field in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  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  Marble Bridge in Ekaterininsky (Catherine) Park of Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 25, 2017  Marble Bridge from east in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Marble Bridge from north in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Marble fountain of Personal Garden in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 23, 2016  "Golden Autumn" of the shores of the Great Pond in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  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  Marble fountain and arbor of Personal Garden in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 23, 2016  Empty Island in Catherine Park, near Marble Bridge. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Grotto Pavilion and Great Pond (Bolshoy Prud) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Oak alley in western part of Rose Field in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Granite base of a pergola on Rose Field in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  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, 2025  Marble Fountain of Sobstvenny Sadik (Private Garden) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013  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  Spruce alley between Rose Field and Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Marble Fountain of Private Garden near Catherine Palace. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Alley behind Catherine Palace in Alexander Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, December 3, 2016  One of the Small Chinese Bridges (Small Iron Bridges) crossing the Krestovy Canal. Originally wooden (1781), they were replaced with cast iron versions forged at the Sestroretsk Arms Factory in 1786. Designed by Charles Cameron, who also planned the nearby Chinese Village. The bridge features intricate iron lattice railings and is framed by distinctive porticoes formed of paired columns with "Chinese-style" curved sheet-iron roofs. The columns are painted to mimic colored marble, and the structure was fully restored in the 21st century. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  "Natural" path of English Landscape Park near Great Pond in Catherine Park. 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  Marble Fountain and nymphs of Private Garden near Catherine Palace. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Young mushrooms Plicatura nivea on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Rose Field in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Podkapriznaya Road between Catherine and Alexander parks. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 13, 2016  Bolshoy Kapriz between Catherine and Alexander parks. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 13, 2016  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  A pond near Podkapriznaya Road between Catherine and Alexander parks. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 13, 2016  Oaks of Rose Field Road in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  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  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  Monument of heroes of Great October Socialist Revolution. It is a mass grave monument dedicated to Red Guards who died during the 1917 October Revolution and the subsequent Civil War. The site originated in 1917 as a burial ground for workers and Red Guards from the nearby Novy Lessner Plant (now the Karl Marx Machine-Building Plant). These fighters were killed in battles against the troops of General Pyotr Krasnov near Pulkovo during the defense of Petrograd. In 1953, a wooden structure was replaced by the current grey granite obelisk seen today. It was designed by architect Yuri Wiesenthal. This monument is a solemn reminder of the intense revolutionary history of the Vyborg Side, a district historically populated by industrial workers who were pivotal to the Bolshevik cause. Lesnoy Park (Lesotekhnicheskiy Universitet), Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 14, 2025  Ancient oak trunk in Alexander Park showcases the sculptural quality of the park s veteran trees. The trunk features a massive, gnarled root flare and deep, craggy bark fissures, indicators of its significant age (likely over 200 years). These "veteran trees" are living monuments from the imperial era. Northern part of Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Bronze sculpture of Marcus Cocceius Nerva (reigned 96-98 AD), the first of the "Five Good Emperors" of Rome on the "Great Lawn" (Parterre) of the Landscape Park, directly in front of the Granite Terrace in Catherine Park. He is depicted seated, draped in a toga that exposes his muscular torso, holding a scroll (a symbol of law or wisdom) in his right hand. Catherine the Great and her successors viewed their own reign through the lens of Enlightened Absolutism, often drawing parallels between the Russian Empire and the Pax Romana. 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  Metal bridge located near the Small Caprice (Malyi Kapriz) in Catherine Park. It spans the water channel connecting the Upper Ponds (Verkhnie Prudki) with the Longitudinal Pond (Prodolny Prud). This area is a critical junction in the park s hydraulic system, where water flows from the upper terraces down towards the Great Pond. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 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 of oaks 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  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  Fall colors of Catherine Park from Sadovaya Street. 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  Group of maple trees near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  A monument to V. I. Lenin in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), suburb of Saint Petersburg. This place was originally occupied by an Orthodox Cathedral (a commemorative wooden cross was erected recently). Russia, April 8, 1999.  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  Yellow leaves of maple trees near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Orange leaves of maple trees near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Mushrooms Plicaturopsis crispa on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Pyramid (a tomb for greyhounds of Catherine II) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013  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  Great Pond and Admiralty in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  Caps of mushrooms Plicaturopsis crispa on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in 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  Pyramid (a tomb for greyhounds of Catherine II) in Ekaterininsky (Catherine) Park of Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 7, 2013  Great Pond and Hall of the Island in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  Cape Star and Great Pond in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  Cape Star of Great Pond in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  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  Texture of corticioid fungus Plicatura nivea on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Mushrooms Plicaturopsis crispa together with Plicatura nivea on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Underside of caps of mushrooms Plicaturopsis crispa on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors of maples along Krestovy Canal. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025 |
