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3772-02. Scenery around the Chinese Pond (Upper Park Pond) in Oranienbaum Park. The stone pergola, draped in vivid red wild grapes (Parthenocissus), serves as a striking architectural centerpiece across the water. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025Similar picturesLarge thumbnails | Use small thumbnails | View as slideshow |
 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  Lower Pond (Nizhny Prud) with an island. The pond itself was an integral part of the fortress s original defensive and decorative water system, fed by the Karasta River, which flows down from the Upper Park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Artificial waterfall on the Karasta River in Oranienbaum Park serving as a connection between the Upper and Lower Parks. It is a tiered spillway designed with granite steps that allow the water to cascade gracefully from the Lower Pond, flowing underneath a massive stone bridge (the Lower Bridge/Dam Bridge) Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Distinctly autumnal scene in the Upper Park near the western facade of the Chinese Palace. The centerpiece is the bronze sculpture group "The Three Graces" (or "Three Virtues"), depicting three women standing in a circle holding hands. This classical motif represents charm, beauty, and creativity. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  "Golden Autumn" on a slope leading to the Lower Pond in Oranienbaum Park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  scenery near the Chinese Palace in the Upper Park. The foreground features a massive, aged oak tree with a prominent hollow in its trunk. This "veteran tree" adds a sense of history and wildness, characteristic of 19th-century English landscape gardens that prized such picturesque imperfections. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Classic "Golden Autumn" above the Karasta River in Oranienbaum[CloseCurlyQuote]s Upper Park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Russian Switzerland in Oranienbaum Park that highlights the serene, painterly quality of the Upper Park s landscape. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  A grove in Oranienbaum Park featuring a mix of historic oak and linden trees, which are key elements of the Upper Park s landscape design. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Pergola near Chinese Pond in Upper Park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 11, 2016  Rustic, three-arched stone bridge (often referred to as the Ruin Bridge or simply the stone arch bridge) in the "Russian Switzerland" area in Oranienbaum s Upper Park. Built from rough-hewn boulders to mimic a natural or ancient ruin, it harmonizes perfectly with the wild, rugged aesthetic of the Karasta River valley. The bridge spans a small ravine or tributary, surrounded by a golden forest of birch and maple trees that soften the stone s heavy appearance with delicate autumn foliage. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Autumn scene of Karasta River in Oranienbaum Park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  "Golden Autumn" season in the Upper Park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  "Golden Autumn" landscape typical of the Upper Park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  A classic alley in Upper Park during the height of autumn. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 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  Winding gravel path in the Upper Park of Oranienbaum. This area was called "Russian Switzerland" because of its rugged, hilly terrain, steep river banks, and the winding Karasta River valley, which landscape architects designed to resemble a wild, mountainous alpine landscape on a miniature scale. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  View of the Karasta River near the stone bridge in Oranienbaum Park. The stone bridge, with its rustic, unpolished arches, is partially obscured by the golden leaves of a large tree, enhancing the sense of depth and discovery typical of romantic English-style gardens. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Formal alley of manicured spruce trees in the Lower Park of Oranienbaum, leading towards an entrance gate. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 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  Pergola near Chinese Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  A graceful, arched footbridge with simple metal railings and a small, tree-covered island of Lower Pond (Nizhny Prud). Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 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  Close-up view of the Karasta River cascade in Oranienbaum Park. The water tumbles over tiered, man-made steps (part of the Lower Bridge dam system), transforming into a silky, smooth sheet of water that suggests a long-exposure photograph. Moss-covered boulders at the base add a rugged, naturalistic touch, breaking the uniform flow into frothy white streams that contrast with the dark, wet stone walls. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Honorary Gate (also known as the Gate of the Fortress of Peterstadt) in Oranienbaum Park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Scenery on a slope to Karasta River. A dense mix of oak, maple, and fir trees creates a rich tapestry of color, dominated by vibrant yellows and deep golds that completely cover the canopy. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  A scene of the Karasta River in Upper Park. The shallow, rocky river flows gently towards a rustic, arched stone bridge in the background, which acts as a romantic focal point nestled deep within the foliage. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Upper Park s "Russian Switzerland". A majestic, deep green spruce tree in the foreground provides a striking vertical anchor, contrasting sharply with the soft, hazy backdrop of golden maples and oaks that line the riverbanks. The shallow, rocky riverbed is visible through the clear, dark water, with scattered boulders breaking the surface, enhancing the "mountain stream" illusion intended by the landscape architects. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Rocky riverbed of Karasta River, with moss-covered boulders visible in the shallow water. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Classical linden alley in the Upper Park, a perfectly straight, tree-lined corridor, a hallmark of the formal garden design elements retained within the landscape park. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Stone bridge in Oranienbaum Park in the "Russian Switzerland" section of the Upper Park. The bridge is built from rough, unpolished granite boulders, giving it a deliberately archaic, "ruin-like" appearance that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, typical of the romantic style popular in the 19th century. It spans a bend in the Karasta River, connecting a gravel path that winds through rolling green hills, which were artificially shaped to mimic an alpine valley. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Petrovsky Bridge at fall. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Petrovsky Bridge in Oranienbaum Park. The bridge is a three-arched stone structure built in 1910 (designed by O. Paulson) to replace an older wooden one. It features rough-hewn stone masonry on the lower arches contrasting with lighter brick detailing and white balustrades along the top. It spans the Karasta River, which flows through a valley currently filled with vibrant orange and golden foliage from the surrounding maple and oak trees. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Autumn in Upper Park. The large glacial boulder (erratic block) on the side of the path is a typical element of 19th-century romantic park design, intended to add a sense of antiquity and natural wildness. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Russian Switzerland in Oranienbaum Park. The landscape features rolling, grassy mounds covered in a scattering of fallen yellow leaves, creating a soft, textured carpet that emphasizes the undulating topography of this "Swiss" inspired area. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  A sculpture near Chinese Pond in Upper Park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 11, 2016  Rich diversity of the park s forest undergrowth during "Golden Autumn".:200b Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Dynamic display of autumn color and texture in Upper Park. The image highlights a grove of white-barked trees--likely birch or aspen--whose bright trunks are textured with patches of green moss and lichen. These vertical lines contrast beautifully with the chaotic, horizontal spread of the crimson undergrowth (likely wild shrubs like dogwood). Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Alley crossing in Oranienbaum Park. The image captures a quiet intersection of paths lined with mature trees, emphasizing the park s thoughtful layout that encourages leisurely exploration. The placement of multiple benches at this crossing invites visitors to pause and take in the surroundings from different angles. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  "Golden Autumn" in Upper Park. The image highlights a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Tall spruce trees (dark green) stand in contrast to the vibrant yellow of the maples and lindens, creating a rich texture and color palette typical of the Upper Park s diverse planting design. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Golden Autumn scene along a winding path in the Upper Park, showing a gravel or dirt path curving gently uphill, completely covered in a carpet of fallen yellow maple leaves. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Linden alley in Oranienbaum Park. Mature linden trees form a dense, golden tunnel overhead. The long, converging lines of the tree trunks draw the eye toward the distant tractor, emphasizing the scale of the park (which covers over 160 hectares) and the ongoing maintenance required to preserve its historic appearance. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Chinese Pond and Pergola in Oranienbaum. Lomonosov, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 19, 2021  Soykinskaya Alley (or Road) in Oranienbaum Park. This is a major thoroughfare in the Upper Park, notable for its impressive width and the straight, long perspective it creates, reminiscent of the "prospekts" designed in the 18th century. The alley is flanked by mature, stately trees--predominantly oaks and lindens--whose canopies form a "golden tunnel" overhead. The fallen leaves completely cover the ground, creating a continuous carpet of orange and yellow that mirrors the canopy above. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Pergola and Chinese Pond in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 11, 2013  Pergola at Chinese Pond in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 11, 2013  A carpet of yellow leaves on a lawn. The fallen foliage belongs primarily to Norway maples (Acer platanoides), which, along with linden and oak trees, dominate the Upper Park s romantic landscape. These maples are responsible for the intense yellow and golden hues visible in October. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  A bronze copy of the famous ancient Greek group "Laocoo"n and His Sons" near the Chinese Palace. The dynamic composition depicts the Trojan priest Laocoo"n and his two sons in their agonizing death struggle against sea serpents sent by the gods (usually attributed to Athena or Poseidon) as punishment for warning the Trojans about the wooden horse. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  A dense tapestry of yellow maples, their leaves creating a luminous canopy that filters the soft autumn light. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Area of Chinese Palace in Upper Park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 11, 2016  A sculpture near Chinese Palace in Upper Park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 11, 2016  Oaks near Chinese Palace in Upper Park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 11, 2016  Grand Menshikov Palace (Bolshoy Menshikovsky Dvorets). It is the palace s majestic Northern Facade, designed in the Petrine Baroque style by architects Giovanni Mario Fontana and Gottfried Scha"del between 1710 and 1727. The palace sits atop a natural ridge, enhancing its monumentality. A grand system of stone terraces and a double-flight staircase descends from the main entrance to the Lower Garden. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Iron statue near Chinese Palace in Upper Park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 11, 2016  Apollo statue near Chinese Palace in Upper Park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 11, 2016  The park s blend of formal structure and natural landscape during autumn. The image captures a long, straight avenue typical of the park s 18th-century layout, creating a mesmerizing "tunnel" effect. :200b Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Iron sculpture Three Graces near Chinese Palace in Upper Park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 11, 2016  Chinese Pond and Palace in Oranienbaum. Lomonosov, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 19, 2021  Stone bench near Chinese Pond in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 11, 2013  Lower Pond and Japanese Pavilion of Menshikov Palace in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Rich textures of the "Golden Autumn" in the Upper Park s romantic landscape. A prominent feature is the large tree trunk (likely a Linden/Lime tree, Tilia) displaying dense epicormic growth--small green sprouts at its base--which creates a "skirt" of fresh green that stands out against the darker, rugged bark and the autumn colors surrounding it. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  View of Japanese Pavilion of Menshikov Palace from southern end of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Approach of Chinese Palace in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Lake opposite to Chinese Palace in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, July 4, 2010  Part of the Maze (or Labyrinth) located in the Lower Garden. The area features a classic French formal garden layout with geometrically trimmed hedges and gravel paths, characteristic of the early 18th-century design commissioned by Alexander Menshikov. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  A wide, panoramic view of the "Three Graces" sculpture within its autumn context. The dark bronze sculpture of the three women acts as a vertical anchor in a landscape dominated by towering trees. The wider angle emphasizes the scale of the forest compared to the artwork, placing human creativity within the embrace of nature. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Park west from Chinese Pond in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 11, 2013  Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 22, 2014  Lower Pond in a park, with Japanese Pavilion of Menshikov Palace in background, in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 23, 2011  Stone bench (1789) near Chinese Palace. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), 20 miles west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 2, 2012  Karasta River Valley from Slobodskoy Bridge of Dvortsovy Prospekt. The trees (predominantly maples, oaks, and lindens) display vibrant shades of ochre, amber, and rust, which is typical for mid-October in this latitude. The ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, indicating that the leaf fall is well underway. Daytime highs were likely around +8DegreeC (46DegreeF), dropping to +3DegreeC (37DegreeF) at night. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble, located in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Island of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Southern end of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Spillway of Krasny Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Majestic, mature trees in the Upper Park that define the landscape s romantic character. The massive, gnarled branches of an old oak tree dominate the foreground, framing the view with their dark bark and patches of green moss. Its remaining leaves are a mix of rusty orange and brown, contrasting with the brighter yellow foliage of the surrounding maples. Beneath the trees, a dense thicket of shrubs (dogwood) creates a vibrant layer of red and pink tones. This rich undergrowth adds warmth and complexity to the autumn palette, which is primarily golden-yellow. Oranienbaum palace-and-park ensemble in Lomonosov (a suburb of St. Petersburg), Russia, October 13, 2025  Chinese Pond and Kitchen in Oranienbaum. Lomonosov, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 19, 2021  Ilioney sculpture in Pergola in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Trees near southern end of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Maple near southern end of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Reeds in southern end of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Fall foliage of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Southern part of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  A road north from Krasny Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Trees on an island of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Western shore of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Chinese Pond from Krasnaya Alley in Oranienbaum. Lomonosov, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 19, 2021  View of southern part of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Trail on eastern shore of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Reeds in southern part of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Fall colors of an island of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  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  Fall colors of western shore of Lower Pond in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Island of Lower Pond in the park, with Japanese Pavilion in background. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Karliny Pond behind a palace in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 23, 2011  Alley west from Chinese Pond in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 11, 2013  Stone bridge in the park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, September 25, 2015  Karliny Pond in a park in Lomonosov (Oranienbaum). West from Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 23, 2011  Group of oak trees in Upper Park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 22, 2014  Ilikovskaya Road in Upper Park. Oranienbaum (Lomonosov), a suburb of Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 22, 2014 |