 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  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  Pergola of Sobstvenny Sadik (Private Garden) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013  Marble Fountain of Sobstvenny Sadik (Private Garden) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 19, 2013  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  Pergola of Private Garden in Catherine Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg. Russia, May 18, 2021  Pergola of Private Garden near Catherine Palace. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  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  Pergola of Personal Garden in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Naturalistic style of the English landscape garden, which dominates the areas surrounding the formal canals, with rich textural contrast between the golden maples and dark evergreen firs, creating a painterly composition typical of 19th-century Russian park design. The untamed, wilder growth of the underbrush and tall grasses contrasts with the manicured lawns found elsewhere, evoking a sense of romantic melancholy suited to the "golden autumn" season. The dense, layered foliage creates an intimate, enclosed space that feels removed from the grand palace architecture, focusing entirely on the mood of the forest. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  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  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  Statue of Ilioneus (also known as the Kneeling Youth) located in the Oranienbaum Park (Lomonosov, near St. Petersburg). The sculpture depicts Ilioneus, the youngest son of Niobe from Greek mythology, kneeling and raising his arms in a plea for mercy before being struck by Apollo s arrows. It stands beneath a stone pergola near the Chinese Palace in the Upper Park. The pergola is famously covered in the vibrant red leaves of wild grapes (Parthenocissus), creating a striking contrast with the dark bronze figure. Russia, October 13, 2025  Granite base of a pergola on Rose Field in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Red Cascade or Turkish Cascade in Catherine Park. The Rust Red (8A611E) of the brickwork complements the surrounding Golden Orange (BB812a) foliage perfectly. The rough texture of the brick and the stepped stone cascade creates a rustic, "ruin-like" aesthetic that was highly fashionable in 18th-century landscape design. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  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  Cross Bridge with a pergola in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, December 3, 2016  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 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  Big Lamsky Pond (Bolshoy Lamskoy Prud), part of a system of ponds originally dug in the early 19th century to drain the park s marshy terrain. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Small Lamsky Bridge (Maly Lamskoy Bridge), built in the early 20th century (around 1900) to replace an earlier wooden crossing. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in 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  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  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  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  "Natural" path of English Landscape Park near 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  Private Garden in Ekaterininsky (Catherine) Park of Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), a suburb of Saint Petersburg. Russia, September 7, 2013  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  Large area covered by corticioid fungus Plicatura nivea on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in 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  The wilder, naturalistic aesthetic of Alexander Park s landscape section. The visual appeal lies in the layered textures of the undergrowth--a mix of golden birch leaves and red shrubbery--creating a chaotic but harmonious "tapestry" effect. Unlike the formal alleys, this scene emphasizes density and verticality, with thin birch trunks contrasting against the soft, diffuse background of the forest depth. It evokes the intimacy of a forest interior (uncultivated nature), a deliberate romantic counterpoint to the manicured geometry of the nearby "New Garden". Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Texture of large area covered by corticioid fungus Plicatura nivea on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in 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  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 (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 Fountain of Private Garden near Catherine Palace. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  Marble Fountain and nymphs of Private Garden near Catherine Palace. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo), south from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 24, 2015  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  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  Ancient oak tree trunk. Many oaks in the park are over 200 years old, some dating back to the park s initial landscaping in the 18th and 19th centuries. The gnarled, textured bark and massive girth signify its age and resilience. Northern part of 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  Fall colors of maples 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  Orange leaves of maples 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  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  Old Garden in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  Fall colors of Catherine Park from Sadovaya Street. 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  Sculpture of Old Garden in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2016  "Golden Autumn" of the shores of the Great Pond 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  Group of maple trees near the Upper Ponds 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  Mushrooms Plicaturopsis crispa on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Grotto Pavilion and Great Pond (Bolshoy Prud) 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  Yellow leaves of maple trees near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Wild, impressionistic beauty of Alexander Park s naturalistic sections. The image is dominated by the rough, dark bark of mature oaks (likely Quercus robur) in the foreground, which contrasts sharply with the soft, hazy backdrop of golden maples and underbrush. The dense layering of vegetation--from the grassy forest floor to the tangled mid-story shrubs (like hazel or dogwood) and the towering canopy--creates a sense of enclosure and depth, reminiscent of a Levitan landscape painting. The scene captures the full richness of the "Golden Autumn," where the vibrant yellows and russets of the foliage seem to glow from within the forest, creating a warm, immersive atmosphere despite the overcast sky. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Devil s Bridge (Chertov Most), also known as the Cascade, located near the Upper Ponds in Catherine Park. It is constructed from rough-hewn limestone and granite blocks (tufa) to resemble a natural rock formation or an ancient grotto. The "bridge" actually functions as a decorative cascade or dam between the ponds. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Caps of mushrooms Plicaturopsis crispa on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Young mushrooms Plicatura nivea on a log in 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  Chinese Gazebo (often called the Creaking Pagoda or Skripuchaya Besedka) 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  Fall colors in area of the Small Caprice (Malyi Kapriz) in Catherine Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Tunnel-like quality of the linden alley, a hallmark of 19th-century Russian park design. The interlocking branches of the mature linden trees (Tilia) form a "gothic arch" overhead, completely enclosing the path. This creates a sense of protection and separation from the outside world, which aligns with the secluded, monastic theme of the nearby Feodorovsky Gorodok. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  This view from the Small Chinese Bridge captures the northwestern stretch of the Krestovy Canal. The canal creates a straight, reflective corridor lined with golden maples, emphasizing the transition from the formal "New Garden" to the more naturalistic landscape park areas. Looking northwest, the canal leads toward the Alexander Palace and its kitchen buildings, which are situated to the right of this axis, hidden behind the dense tree line. The scene highlights the park s quiet, wooded character, contrasting with the architectural focus of the opposite view towards the Cross Bridge. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Northern end of Vene Street (Vene ta"nav) at the intersection with Olevima"gi and Bremeni ka"ik. The red brick building on the immediate left is located at Vene 28. It is a historic structure that was originally built in 1912 as a residential building and briefly housed the Estonian Provisional Government in 1918. It stands out with its industrial-style red brick facade contrasting with the medieval stone walls nearby. The large limestone wall with the archway on the far left is part of the city s defensive fortifications, specifically near the Bremen Tower (Bremeni torn). The archway leads into Bremen Passage (Bremeni ka"ik), a short, atmospheric walkway that connects Vene Street to Uus Street through the city wall. The tower itself, a 15th-century horseshoe-shaped defensive structure, is located just behind this wall. In the background, at the end of the street, you can see the yellow tower and facade of the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas (Nikolai kirik) at Vene 24. Designed by architect Luigi Rusca and built between 1820-1827, this Neoclassical church serves a congregation under the Moscow Patriarchate and is known for its valuable iconostasis. It sits on the site of a much older church that served Novgorod merchants in the Middle Ages. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025  Rustic stone arch bridge, nestled deep within the Sergievka Park ravine. Built from rough-hewn granite blocks, the bridge was designed to look ancient and weather-beaten even when new, fitting the 19th-century romantic preference for melding architecture with wild nature. The bridge spans a small cascade of the Kristatelka River, where water tumbles over mossy stone steps, creating a soothing auditory backdrop to the visual serenity. The scene is framed by golden maples and fallen leaves that carpet the banks and settle into the stream s rocky bed, enhancing the secluded, fairy-tale atmosphere. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025  Corticioid mushrooms Plicatura nivea on a cut surface of a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Growth of corticioid fungus 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  Corticioid mushrooms Plicatura nivea on logs in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Close-up of corticioid fungus Plicatura nivea 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  Oak mazegill mushrooms (Daedalea quercina) on a stump in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 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  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  From the elevated terrace of the Leuchtenberg Palace, a thoughtfully designed "prospect" (vista) opens up towards the Gulf of Finland, offering a serene coastal panorama framed by autumn foliage. This clearing was intentionally cut through the forest in the 19th century to create a direct visual link between the palace and the sea, a common feature in romantic landscape architecture. The busy road visible in the middle ground is the Oranienbaum Highway, which separates the upper park from the lower coastal meadows. In the distance, the grey-blue waters of the Gulf of Finland merge with the overcast sky, creating a vast, moody backdrop that emphasizes the estate s prime coastal location. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025  Round patch of corticioid fungus Plicatura nivea on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Maple alley near Chinese Bridges of Krestovy Canal in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Soft edge of corticioid fungus Plicatura nivea on a log Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Corticioid mushrooms Plicatura nivea with a slug on a cut surface of a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in 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  An ancient stone staircase crossing the Kristatelka River which is a charming remnant of the park s 19th-century romantic landscape design. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 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  Close-up of soft edge of corticioid fungus Plicatura nivea on a log in Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Fall colors at Big Lamsky Pond (Bolshoy Lamskoy Prud). Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Alley behind Catherine Palace in Alexander Park. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, December 3, 2016  Layered perspective of the Krestovy Canal s Chinoiserie architecture. The Small Chinese Bridge frames the scene with its limestone portico and iron lattice railing (1786). The canal leads the eye directly to the Cross Bridge (1779), its arch rising over the water with the distinct "globular pendant" hanging from the vault. The bridges are aligned along the canal s axis, creating a visual corridor characteristic of the park s "New Garden" layout, emphasized here by the autumnal frame of maple trees. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in 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  Mixed forest texture, highlighting the interplay between deciduous and coniferous species. Aleksandrovsky (Alexander) Park in Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025  Forest interior with rich, layered complexity of mixed deciduous plantings. 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. 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  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  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). The bridge is a graceful, single-span metal structure with a simple but elegant wrought-iron railing featuring gilded rosette details. Pushkin (former Tsarskoe Selo) near Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 10, 2025 |
