To SEE in Tsarskoye Selo

Tsarskoye Selo is a former Royal Summer residence which starts it's history in the beginning of the 18th century. In 2010 it celebrates it's 300 anniversary.

Ancient russian «Izhora land» being occupied by Sweden in the 17th century was reconquered y Peter the Great in the 18th century. And in 1710 Peter I presented this land to his future wife Catherine (whom he married in February, 1712 and who became Catherine I).

A small estate known as “Sarishoff” or “Saarismoisio” (translated from the Finnish “an elevated spot”), and in Russian as “Sarskaya Myza”, has been turned into the magnificent residence by the best architects and gardeners of the 18-19th centuries where russian rulers from Catherine I to Nicolas II spent their summer time.

Very soon after the foundation Sarskaya Myza got the name Sarskoye Selo and when construction of a palace began it acquired the title of Tsarskoye Selo (it means “Tsar’s Village”).

Tsarskoye Selo became the last home of our last Royal family (Nicolas II with his family was living in Alexander palace before the arrest in 1918).

After the October revolution Tsarskoye Selo was turned into museums and former royal palaces opened their doors for public.

At the 2nd World war this area was occupied by Hitler's army and was badly distroyed by bombs and fires during the 900 days of the seige. Some of the park pavilions were partially or totally ruined. Other buildings in the complex also suffered serious damage. In the Tsarskoye Selo parks, dug up for trenches and bunkers, 25 bridges and around 50 dams and cascades were destroyed.

The restoration that began in 1950's is still going on but we can already enjoy beautiful baroque interiors, strict classical rooms and unique Amber room visiting the Catherine palace of Tsarskoye Selo.

By the request we may also see the Alexander palace.

There are some places in Saint-Petersburg which you can't miss and Tsarskoye Selo is one of them!

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