Catherine Palace
Even with a wide angled lens, it is difficult to show the breadth of this palace. Built by the Italian Architect Francesco Rastrelli who was also largely responsible for the Winter Palace of the Hermitage & Peterhof Palace. Hence the similar Baroque style and decoration of these palaces.
Catherine Palace Entrance. Designed to impress & overwhelm. It succeeds well.
(Right) There is a lot of impromptu music in St Petersburg. As we were strolling by we heard this flautist in a corner of the gardens by the Chapel.
(Bellow) The back of the Palace from the Gardens.
The Main Staircase
Along with Peterhof, the Catherine Palace was looted & wantonly destroyed in WWII. The post-war photos show burnt out hollow shells remaining. Luckily detailed plans existed from which these palaces have been reconstructed.
OK – though it has all been rebuilt recently and next to nothing that we see is really 300 years old, they are still worth visiting.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall’s proportions look odd to me – the ceiling should be higher. Nevertheless a stunning space. Built to rival Versailles. To raise money for the restoration work, this hall is hired out. I was not surprised to read that Elton John gave a performance here. Just his flamboyant style.
You need sunglasses for this hall. (I bet Elton John had a suitable pair!)
The Tsars liked their enfilades!
In 1716 the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm I gave the Amber Room panels to Peter The Great to seal an alliance against Sweden. Some 6 tons of amber was used to decorate the walls in this room. Before it was lost, the Amber Room was sometimes dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” due to its singular beauty. The German army (or as stated in the official notices, the “Hitlerites” ) removed it during the siege of Leningrad. The original amber panels have never been recovered. What we see now is a 2003 reconstruction.
No photography is allowed in this room, hence this snatched shot from the doorway.
There seemed to be a great many dining rooms, obviously eating & drinking were high on the Tsars’ agenda.
Left is the “White Dining Room” & right is the “Green Dining Room”
The Picture Hall. I don’t really see the point in using oil paintings as wallpaper.
The Chinese Drawing-Room of Alexander I. Very delicate.
The Cameron Gallery (left). The British architect, Charles Cameron, created this gallery on the slopes from the palace, giving fine views over the English-styled park.
The Turkish Bath (right). The Turkish Bath was erected on the orders of Nicholas I in the mid-19th century after the earlier Russian – Turkish war.
The Great Pond looking towards the Dutch Admiralty. In contrast to some of the more formal gardens, the more natural looking English Park was created, being the height of fashion in the 18th century. As you walk round, it has lots of delightful and surprising vistas, such as this one across the Great Pond.
The Maid with the Pitcher Fountain. An early 19th century sculpture illustrating the fairy-tale story of a milkmaid, who in day-dreaming of future wealth, spilt her wares, thus ruining any chance of achieving any riches.
The Decorative Parterre with Venus & Cupid. A view from the Granite Terrace across to the Great Pond.
