Catherine Palace is an exceptional representation of Russian baroque architecture. This palace with its awesome exteriors and equally stunning interiors demands a mandatory visit for all enthusiastic travelers. Originally built by Peter the Great as a residence for his wife Catherine I, this palace grew in importance, magnitude and grandeur during the reign of Empress Elizabeth.

Catherine Palace Pushkin located at an approximate distance of about 25 km from St. Petersburg was built on a Finnish farm ‘Saari Mois’. Russians after capturing this territory renamed this area as ‘Tsarskaya Mysa’.

Significant additions and beautifications of this palace were carried out during the reign of Empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great. This magnificent Imperial palace was built as per design of master architect Bartholomeo Rastrelli.

Catherine Palace Russia with its intricate white and blue façade with gilded atlantes, pilasters, and caryatids designed by Johann Franz Dunker, a German sculptor, was completed between 1743 and 1756. The interiors were designed both by Rastrelli and Dunker. About 100 kilos of gold was supposedly used in decorating this opulent palace. Of particular brilliance is the Golden Enfilade, designed by Rastrelli. It is resplendent with marble cupids and elaborate banisters.

The Hall of Light or Great Hall occupying the palace’s full width offers superb view of both sides. ‘Triumph of Russia’, a fresco covering the entire ceiling, highlights this hall. White Dining Room is also equally ornate but on a smaller scale. Portrait Hall is another notable room of Golden Enfilade. The walls are covered with canvas paintings belonging to 17th and 18th centuries. The Picture Gallery among other paintings and portraits has two remarkable paintings of Elizabeth and Catherine.

Amber Room is perhaps the most talked about hall of Catherine Palace. For creating this extraordinary room Rastrelli used 450 kilos of amber. He built an Amber Cabinet with amber panels, mirrors, gold carvings and gemstones brought from Caucasus and Ural regions. In addition to amber work this hall contained significant collections of Chinese porcelain. The Cameron Rooms created by Catherine’s favorite architect Charles Cameron are superlative illustrations in color and symmetry. Green Dining Room and Blue Drawing Room are particularly significant.

Catherine Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Tuesdays and last Monday of all months when it is closed.