DK Travel : St Petersburg : Pavlovsk

Pavlovsk

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Pavlovsk, an 18th-century park and palace ensemble, is notable for its atmospheric landscaped grounds, containing temples, pavilions and stone bridges. Catherine the Great gifted the estate to her son, the future Paul I, in 1777 and Pavlovsk (from “Pavel” or Paul) was named in his honour. Architect Charles Cameron was commissioned to begin work on it in 1780, and Paul I’s wife, Maria Fyodorovna, was the driving force behind the development of the palace’s exhaustive collections. Maria, being infatuated with both Pavlovsk and Europe, travelled with Paul throughout the continent, bringing back many sculptures, paintings and silk sets.
One of the great pleasures of a trip to Pavlovsk is strolling through its romantic grounds, so be sure to pay a visit when the weather is fit for walking. There are good restaurants in the Great Hall of the Pavlovsk Palace.

Top 10 Features

1. Pavlovsk Palace

1. Pavlovsk Palace

This modest palace (1782–6) consists of a series of remarkably well-preserved rooms and halls that afford the visitor a revealing glimpse into the lifestyle of Russia’s pre-revolutionary nobility.
2. The Apollo Colonnade

2. The Apollo Colonnade

This graceful colonnade encircles a copy of the Apollo Belvedere. Following a storm in 1817, a new iron Apollo replaced the bronze original.
3. The Muses

3. The Muses

The nine Muses (1780–98), based on statues in the museums of Rome and Florence, were created in the workshops of the Russian Academy.
4. Temple of Friendship

4. Temple of Friendship

This Doric temple (1780), dedicated to Catherine the Great, is the earliest example of Greek forms in Russia.
5. Pil Tower and Bridge

5. Pil Tower and Bridge

Built by Vincenzo Brenna in 1795, the tower at one time contained a spiral staircase, library and lounge. The nearby bridge was added in 1808.
6. Visconti Bridge

6. Visconti Bridge

The most famous and attractive bridge in the park, the Visconti Bridge was designed by Andrey Voronikhin in 1807. Its arch stretches lazily over the river, reflected in the water below to form a graceful oval.
7. Cold Baths

7. Cold Baths

This austere pavilion was constructed by Cameron in 1799 as a summer swimming pool. It had an elegant vestibule, paintings, furniture and rich wall upholstery.
8. Cameron’s Dairy

Important visitors to the estate were invited to this working dairy, a small building with a thatched roof, to sample simple peasant fare.
9. The Rose Pavilion

9. The Rose Pavilion

The Rose Pavilion was designed around the theme of the rose. Maria Fyodorovna often entertained guests in this cottage. Alexander I’s victory over Napoleon was celebrated here too.
10. Paul’s Mausoleum

10. Paul’s Mausoleum

This mausoleum bears the inscription “To my beneficent consort”. Despite its name, and although constructed in the form of an ancient Roman temple, it never held Paul I’s remains.

Practical Information

One of the great pleasures of a trip to Pavlovsk is strolling through its romantic grounds, so be sure to pay a visit when the weather is fit for walking. There are good restaurants in the Great Hall of the Pavlovsk Palace. 30 km (19 miles) S of St Petersburg 452 1536 Open 10am–5pm Sat–Thu closed first Mon of every month Train from Vitebsk, Kupchino or Moscovskay stations, then bus 370, 383, 383a, 493, K-286, K-299 Adm: Park 30 roubles; Palace 150 roubles www.pavlovskmuseum.ru/english