Duration: 6 hours
Activity level: Comfort
Charming residence with enormous park, foot bridges, trails, ponds and the elegant neo-classical palace that belonged to Russian Emperor Paul I and his wife, Maria Feodorovna is definitely one of the must-sees of St. Petersburg. Perfectly designed interiors house a unique collection of furniture, paintings and sculptures, including antique ones, formed by the first owners.
Initially the area in the Valley of Slavyanka River was used by the Royals for hunting. In 1777, on the occasion of the birth of Alexander, the grandson and heir, Catherine II presented the lands as a gift to her son, Paul I. Soon after, she commissioned to build a palace.
Two years after planning began, Paul and Maria left for a 14-month long trip to Europe. They traveled incognito under the name of the Counts Du Nord. They received many gifts from the European monarchs and additionally acquired and commissioned numerous paintings, sculptures, furniture, porcelain, and bronze works of art for the palace. During their trip, they met the architect Vincenzo Brenna and Paul invited him to work in St. Petersburg and in Pavlovsk. Both the Scottish and the Italian architect had a delicate sense of beauty; they managed to create a place where the family lived happily.
Pavlovsk would be a perfect choice for any traveler but especially for those who love classical architecture and furnishing as well as romantic life-stories. The palace boasts numerous luxurious but cozy interiors such as Greek and Italian hall, Rossi`s library and Great Dining room, State Bedchamber and Art Gallery designed by several generations of talented architects.
We suggest to combine the tour of the Pavlovsk Palace with a visit to the Park. You may choose between a 45 min walk in the palace area with a visit to Her Majesty Private Garden, a 1.5 h walk along the Slavyanka River by the Temple of Friendship, ancient style bridge and Apollo and Muses alleys to the Dairy House or a 2 h bike ride to make the most of your stay in Pavlovsk Park.
It’s a wonderful day out come winter or summer, come sun or snow and if you are lucky the red squirrels, masters of the park, might even pay you a visit and will gladly eat nuts out of the palm of your hand.
Key information
Min. group size: 1 person.
Languages available: English, French, Italian, German and others upon request.
Meeting point
We will pick-up you from your hotel in St. Petersburg or at sea port (for cruise travellers).
Addtionally
We recommend this tour for the first and return visit to St. Petersburg, cruise passengers, nature tours, art and architecture connoisseurs. The visit can be combined with a tour of the Catherine Palace as the residences are located only 7 km away.
