Pavlovsk
Pavlovsk, an 18th-century park and palace ensemble, is notable for its atmospheric landscaped grounds, containing temples, pavilions and stone bridges. Catherine the Great gave 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.
30 km (19 miles) S of St Petersburg • 452 1536 • Open 15 May–15 Sep: 10am–5pm daily; 16 Sep–14 May: 10am–5pm Sat–Thu. Closed first Mon of every month • Train from Vitebskiy or Kupchino stations, then bus 370, 383, 493, K-286 or K-299 • Adm: Park adults 150 roubles, children 80 roubles; Palace adults 450 roubles, children 250 roubles • www.pavlovskmuseum.ru
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
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
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
This Doric temple (1780), dedicated to Catherine the Great, is the earliest example of Greek forms in Russia.
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
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
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
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
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.
A Scottish Architect in Russia
Having read Charles Cameron’s book about Roman public baths, Catherine the Great invited the architect to Russia to work on the reconstruction of her summer palace at Tsarskoe Selo. Pleased with his work there, she “lent” him to her son, the then Grand Duke Paul, to work on the Pavlovsk estate.
Tip: 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. Tip: There are good restaurants in the Great Hall of the Pavlovsk Palace.
