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The environs of St.Petersburg
Leningrad area open up the wide choice of recreation: calm recreation among the picturesque places of interest, sightseeing tours of monasteries and ancient towns, high quality industry and services.
Towns of Leningrad Region Vyborg šThis wonderful town is situated on the coast and grottos of the Gulf of Vyborg (the Gulfšof the Baltic sea), on the territory of Leningrad Region. At the beginning of the 18th century this town was captured by the army of Peter the Great. From that moment it became a part of Russia. There is a castle, that towers over the town. This castle had been built by Swedes, and now it represents a museum. If you visit this ancient architectural monument and go up to the top of the tower, you will have the unique possibility to view the suburbs from altitude of 57 m. If you prefer ancient architecture, you will be incredibly thrilled with interesting medieval constructions, and, besides, with such monuments of the 18th century as: «Round tower» (1550), «Chapel’s tower» (built in the 15th -16th centuries), fortifications (1740) (One of the most famous among them is «Panzerlax» (1579-1581). It is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Finland.), a monument, dedicated to Peter the Great (it is made of bronze, in1910). When you plunge into the depth of centuries of this fine town, pay attention to the striking landscape, that surrounds this town. And, besides, in the suburbs of Vyborg, among pine-trees’ forests, among picturesque granite rocks, and in grottos of the Gulf of Vyborgšthere are sanatoriums and health resorts, where you could rest physically and morally. Travel agency «M-tour» invites you to visit this wonderful town and its suburbs!
Gatchina šI love Gatchina: its lake-- Silver lake, it couldn’t be compared with anything! - And «Priorat», and farm, and park «Zverinez», And palace park, where is «pavilion of Venera», All these places could never be unpleasant For those who really appreciate nature... Severyanin. I. Gatchina is the most distant residence of tzar’s ones. It is situated on the territory of Leningrad Region, in 45 km to the south-west from Saint-Petersburg. According to the famous legend, the name of this town had originated from so-named «Hotchino», a village of Votskaya community of Velikiy Novgorod, situated in the 15th century there. Gatchina is called as palace suburb of Saint-Petersburg. From the beginning of the 18thšcenturyša manor Gatchina had been a property of tzarina Natalia Aleksseevna, from 1765 - ofšcount Orlove G.G. (exactly under his leadership, building of the famous palace and park ensemble had been begun). In 1783—1796 it became a residence of Great prince Pavel Petrovitch (future emperor Pavel I), in 1881—1883 — of emperor Alexander III. Palace and park ensembles of Gatchina, owing to their unique existence, are widely known in the world, though Petergoff and Tzarskoe selo are more popular. Connoisseurs of architecture will be interested in the unique combination of splendid baroque and early classicism in Gatchina. The cultural heritage of Gatchina is great: it keeps memory about famous Russian skillful people - stone-masons and carpenters, gardeners and bell manufacturers, about genial architects and famous people of Russian culture - musicians, artists, poets and writers. Palace and park ensemble of the 18th š— beginning of the 19th centuries represents: the main palace (built in1766-1797, by architects Rinaldi A. Brenna V.F.) with museums and interiors, Priorat Palace made of dense soil š(1798—1799, by architect Livov N.A.), parks - «Palace», «Priorat», «Zverinez» with a number of bridges, pavilions, gates (by architects Brenna, Zarahov and others.). Visit these picturesque places with «M-tour»! You will know the history of the town, you will feel the atmosphere of passed years! And it will fill your life with something romantic!
Ivangorod.
This small cozy town (since 1954) is situated in Kingisepp region of Leningrad Region, on the right bank of the Narva river. Ivangorod had been built in 1492, and in German documents of the end of the 15th century it had been known as «contre-Narva». In 1492, the Ivangorod fortress had been built in front of medieval castle of Livonia knights, near the Narva river, on the high mountain. Foundation of this fortress became the beginning of creation of new town. Ifšyou happen to come to these places, you will see that this fortress consists of three parts: a castle, located on the abrupt coast of the Narva river, the Big Boyar town - the main part of the fortress, defended by 7 towers, - and the Front town - fortress fortifications, abutted on the north-western part of the Big Boyar town. During the Great Patriotic war this fortress had been greatly destroyed. In the restored part of the fortress and nearby building where had been a custom-house earlier, there had been located Ivangorod historical, architectural and artistic museum. Visiting of historical, cultural and architectural monuments will make you feel as if you were living many centuries ago. Among mysterious nature, listening to the quiet splash of the Narva river waves, you will enjoy the pureness and the beauty of the suburbs’ spaces of Leningrad Region!š š Igiora. This picturesque place represents scanty nation - igors. These people live in Lomonossov and Kingissepp regions of Leningrad Region. Territory of living of Igiora - Igiora height. Earlier (in ancient times) it was a part of Velikiy Novgorod. Until the beginning of the 20th century igiors have been keeping their language (of Finnish group) and some peculiar features of material and spiritual culture (in clothes, meals, lodging etc.). Now they speak Russian (old generation - Igiorian), their mode of life and culture don’t almost differ from theirs of Russian people. You will be thrilled with natural potential of this region. Igiora height is situated on the west of Leningrad Region. Its height - up to168 m. šNorthern and western slopes of Igiora height are abrupt (the altitude is about 50-80m) and they represent a part of Baltic-Ladoga ledge. There are taiga forests, leafy-coniferous and pine forests that prevail in this region. There are many lakes and bogs in the region of the height. We advise you to make this wonderful trip to the world of quietness and pacification of beautiful nature with our travel agency «M-tour»!
Koporie.
This is an ancient town of Novgorod region (now the village of Lomonossov area of Leningrad Region). At first Koporie had been mentioned in 1240, when German knights built a fortress in Koporie that had been destroyed by Alexander Nevskiy in 1241. In 1280 Novgorod people built on the territory of Koporie a stony town. Two years later they destroyed this stony town themselves because of a strife with their prince who was striving for capturing Koporie. This fortress was rebuilt once again in 1297, šat the end of the15th - beginning of the 16th it was reconstructed. As for Koporie, just this fortress is the most interesting architectural and cultural monument. In this fortress there are the fortified walls with embrasures, 20-meters high towers (walls’ thickness is about 4,5-5 m), gates with arc entering to the bridge with stony piers, ruins of Transfiguration cathedral of the 16th century. But this town is asšinteresting for the amateurs of historical monuments as well for those who prefer quiet and peaceful atmosphere, far from the fuss of big cities. This ancient place of Leningrad Region is also famous for its natural beauties. In the picturesque canyon, near the Koporka river, there is a two-step waterfall, the second one in the Region as for its altitude. Our travel agency «M-tour» advise you to know and visit the ancient architectural monuments and to have a good recreation on the space of this fine land!š
Kronshtadt.
Above the grey waves of the gulf, Not fearing for battles or for blockades, You are keeping your famous name, Baltic fortress - Kronshtadt. Ingue.U. Forest island Kotlin is situated in 30 km to the west of the mouth of the Neva river. At the beginning of the 18th century, according to the project of Peter the First, it was decided to create an artificial island near the edge of the sandbank, spread from the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland to the island Kotlin. A fort was constructed on the territory of this island. It got a name «Kronshlot». Now it is named Kronshtadt, it is a town and a port in Leningrad Region. Kronshtadt had been founded in 1703 as a fortress to defend the approaches to Saint-Petersburg. From the 20-ties of the 18th century this fortress had been a main base of the Baltic sea; it defended for many times the frontiers against attacks of the enemy Navies that had a goal to break through the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. Kronshtadt fortified sector with its ship and coast artillery was the most important part of the forces, participated in heroic defense of Leningrad in 1941-1943 and defeated German fascist army in 1944. It is very pleasant to walk about along the streets and parks in this town, to feel the atmosphere of the town of sailors. You could see a number of military buildings there. This town keeps from Peter’s the First period a regular plan. Besides, there is a number of houses, built in the first quarter of the 18th century; a number of classicism buildings - dried crust factory (1795-1797, by architect Bajenov V.I.), barracks (1786-1788, by architect Vetoshnikov M.N.). Sea cathedral towers above the town (1903-1913, architect Kosyakov V.A.). This cathedral is seen even from Saint-Petersburg. There is an interesting museum inside the cathedral. There is a footstock of the Baltic sea, built under the leadership of Peter the First. Kronshtadt had been for a long time a closed town, now it is open for all tourists (and for foreigners too). Kronshtadt as an ancient town will be liked by everyone. For specialists who study history, several museums, such as, «the Museum of Arsenal», «the Museum of Sea hospital» and other military offices will be very interesting for visiting. Go to the fascinating trip with our travel agency «M-tour»! Visit the banks of Kronshtadt island which will surprise you by its forts, fortifications and fortification attainments, created 300 years ago!
Old Ladoga
This ancient Russian town had been a capital of Rus during the period when the prince Rurik governed. It is situated on the left bank of the Volkhov river, in 12 km from the Ladoga lake, not far from the town, named New Ladoga. Now Old Ladoga represents a village of Volkhov district of Leningrad Region. Old Ladoga had been mentioned in Russian chronicle and Scandinavian sagas. In 1703 the town was transferred by Peter the First to the mouth of the Volkhov river (New Ladoga); so just the site of ancient settlement was left on the place of Old Ladoga. Its most ancient part is - «stony town» - at first, had been protected at the beginning of the 12th century by stony wall with 5 towers (it was rebuilt in the 15th -16th centuries), the other part - so named «rammed-earth» town - is surrounded by the earth banks at the beginning of the 18th century. Old Ladoga will interest those who like studying the ancient cultural monuments. In the ancient part of the site of ancient settlement there is a 1-headed 4-pillared 3-apsidal Saint George’s cathedral, built at the end of the 12th century (it was rebuilt later; there are no fragments of frescos of the 12th century and the most ancient sculptures in this part of town). If you come to the «rammed-earth» town, you will see the remains of wooden buildings (of the 8th century), the ruins of stony Climent’s church (of the middle of the 12th century), the tracks of smithy, jeweler’s and potter’s manufacturing and its different products, coins and diverse products of eastern and western European origin. There is a church of Holy Mother in Ladoga (built in the 12 century). In the 60-ties of the 20th century the fortress, the most ancient monument of Russian military architecture, had been restored. The materials (the most ancient cultural and architectural monuments) of the excavations are kept in Hermitage of Saint-Petersburg. The site of ancient settlement is an archeological reservation. We invite you to visit this interesting, ancient, cultural monument, to enjoy the beauties of this magnificent land with our travel agency «M-tour»!
Priosersk
This town was named Keksgolm up to 1948. It is situated on Karelia isthmus of Priozersskiy district of Leningrad Region, on the western coast of Ladoga lake, where the northern branch of the Vuoksa river enters the lake. This nice place, far from urban fuss and noise, is created for the recreation. Priozersk is the ancient town, it is known since 1295. As for the architecture, the ancient European architecture is combined with Soviet one there. This town had passed «through many hands» (Novgorod people, Swedes, Finns, Russians) and it influenced on its appearance. The fortress, named «Korela» (Old fortress), was built on the island, between two branches of the Vuoksa river at the beginning of the 14th century. To the north from this Old fortress was built New fortress (which now represents the remains of fortress gates and a ravelin near the southern wall). Since the 18th century the fortress had been a place of an exile. The Old fortress is a monument of ancient Russian fortification art (now it is a museum). If you leave the town, you could walk to the coast of Ladoga. If you come to the railway station, you will enjoy the magnificent view to the lake of the same name as the Vuoksa river. Here, on the coast you could hire a boat and go to the walking tour. There are «Small rocks» that are situated in 7 km from Priozersk. This range has an altitude of 15 m and it is located where one of the Leningrad Electronic Station crosses a bay named «Fisherman’s». You will enjoy viewing Karelian nature. It will be interesting to see many stones, which were brought here by a glacier. You will finely spend your time and, besides, you will have the possibility to observe the buildings of this ancient town in this magnificent natural and cultural reserve.
Pushkin
The strict faces are on the portraits there, And grey fog is thin there, The splendoršof the fable there And itšsmells gently of mignonette there. Andša nymph with «taitskaya» water there, Water that could spill. Felicia turned into the swan there And young Pushkin turned into bronze... šAnnensskiy I.F. š
Untill 1728 this magnificent suburb was called «Tzarskoe selo» («Tzar’s village»), in 1918-1937 this town was renamed into «Child’s village» and, in connection with 100-years passed from the date of the death of the famous Russian writer and poet, Pushkin, this town was named in honour of him. Developing as a gala summer residence during two centuries, «Tzarskoe selo» is well connected with the biographies and works of a number of generations of poets and writers. It is not an occasion that its another name is «town of muses». At the beginning of the 18th century, in 25 versts from Saint-Petersburg, there was a small manor on the place where is situated the great Catherine palace and a part of park. This manor was named «Saari-mois» in Finnish (it means a manor on the highland place) and in Russian it was renamed «Saarsskaya manor». At first it was granted to Menshikoff A.D. and then it was given to the wife of Peter the First, Catherine (future Queen Catherine I). Building of this palace began in 1717. It was supposed as «stony palace with 16 chambers». Building had lasted in the reign of the daughter of Peter the First, Elizabeth, who decided to make Tzarskoe selo the gala residence. Then on July’30th , in 1756 a state reception was organized in Tzarskoe selo, it was consecrated to the ending of building of the Big (Catherine) palace. This palace is an unique monument of Russian baroque. You will be surprised with the grandiosity of the architect’s idea. So, it is better to begin sightseeing in Tzarskoe selo with this Catherine palace-museum. From the very beginning of your excursion through the gala stairs of the palace and up to the end you will feel the magic fascination of the beautiful. The most precious decoration of Catherine palace is a fantastic «Amber chamber», decorated with mosaic pictures, made of amber, jasper, agate, with mirror pilasters and a number of gilt details. This chamber have been reconstructed recently by our restorers with help of photos, made until the Great Patriotic war. In 1811 the famous Tzarskoselskiy Lyceum was opened there. The most eminent figure in Russian literature, Pushkin A.S. had been studying at this Lyceum since 1811 up to 1817. In 1967 the All-Union museum of Pushkin A.S. was openedšin the Church wing of Catherine Palace. Over several years (since 1720 to 1860) the most beautiful parks of Pushkin had been creating. And now their total area is about 600 hectares. Catherine and Alexander Parks consist of a regular part (made in 1720-1721) and a landscape one (made in 1771-1780). These parks reflect a high level of landscape architecture of the 18th century, where it is very pleasant to walk about and to feel the atmosphere of cheerfulness, festivity and greatness that are inspired by the architectural monuments of park and palace ensemble of Tzarskoe selo. Besides, parks of Pushkin are famous also by its Alexander palace (built in 1792-1796 by architect Kuarengui G.), by a number of pavilions (among them is «Hermitage»(1743-1754), built by architects Zemtzov M.G., Rasstrelli V.V..), and decorative buildings (ruins, arbors, cascades; baroque, pseudo-gothic, classicism), monuments, landscape sculpture, made of Italian masters, ponds, artificial canals. During the fascist occupation this ensemble had been practically destroyed, palaces were ransacked. Now the ensemble is completely restored. A number of palace interiors and park buildings make the favorite place of Catherine II attractive for everyone. The «Babolovskiy» park stretches to the south-west from the Alexander and Catherine parks, separated from them by main roads. This park together with Catherine and Alexander ones form a unique grandiose forestry. Visiting of these magnificent parks and palaces of Pushkin will not only leave an indelible trace but, of course, will be a romantic trip to the places where monarchs of Russian land had a rest!
š Sestroretsk.
This small town is situated in Leningrad Region, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland and near the «Sestra» river. Sestroretsk is a center of sanatorium-and-spa zone of Leningrad Region, balneal and climatic coastal resort. The first mentions about Sestroretsk refer to the beginning of the 18th century. This town sprang up near the arms plant. Armourers from Ural and from Tula had been resettled there by order of Peter the First, they became the first inhabitants of this town. Construction of the Coastal railway line in 1895, that connected Sestroretsk with Saint-Petersburg, promoted town development. That’s why, a short time later, it became a favorite place of recreation for well-to-do people from the capital.šIn 1897 a new sanatorium, named «Sestroretsk health resort» was founded in the town. It was a practice to use water cure with help of local mineral sources there. The town is buried in verdure. Besides, a number of parks is situated there, including the ancient park «Oaklets» - coeval of the town. This park was laid in 1719. Therapeutic agents, which are used in this region, are - climatotherapy, sea bathing, sandy beach, pine-trees forest. Another famous health resort of the town is the biggest rest home of the same name «Sestroretsk». It could admit at once a thousand tourists. This town also includes a big sanatorium-pension and a number of special child’s sanatoriums. It is important to note that there is a source in Sestroretsk, and its water is used for bathing and drinking. Tourist season in this region lasts the whole year round. As for Sestroretsk, it could be really named a resort oasis because it is situated in the picturesque place where nature bewitches you. Our travel agency «M-tour» invites you to visit this magic land. It is a good possibility to rest and to muster your strength! š
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Lodeinoe field.
This town is situated near the «Sveere» river. It was founded in 1702. Formerly Murmansk high road had passed through this town. Now a circumferential road is built there. As for the particularities of this town, Lodeinoe field’s landing stage is the biggest one on the Sveere river. Besides, as for the faithful as well as for connoisseurs of architecture of Orthodox temples, churches, chapels, it would be very interesting to find yourself among the ancient monasteries, convents and churches. The Alexander-Sveere monastery is situated near the town, in 16 km from the place, named «Olonez», on the bank of the lake. This monastery was founded in 1484 and it consists of two architectural ensembles that are located in 500 m one from another. This monastery is not only famous for its antiquity, but also it keeps the relics of Alexander of Sveere. It would be interesting to visit the church of Michael Archangel, built in 18th century, that is not far from the town, in the village «Alehkovtchina». This village is known also by its museum of popular fields. The Pokrovo-Tervinichesskiy convent and the ethnographic museum are situated near the healing source, in 8-10 km from Lodeinoe field. Besides, you could visit the Vvedeno-Vyatsskiy convent which is noted for nearby healing source and the architectural ensemble of the 16thš-19th centuries. It is situated in 41 km towards Saint-Petersburg ( in 170 km from Saint-Petersburg). Visiting of sacred places, built among magic nature, will dispose you to the romantic way, you will be in good spirits and you will feel all might of the spirit force that influences peoples’ fates!
Lomonossoff (Oranienbaum)
This town presents a palace and park ensemble that is situated in 44 km from Saint-Petersburg, on the south coast of the Gulf of Finland, near Kronshtadt. The characteristic of the palace and park museum in Lomonossoff (Oranienbaum) is that in contrast to some palace and park ensembles of other suburbs of Saint-Petersburg, it was not captured by fascists during the Great Patriotic war, so it was not destroyed or ransacked. It is an unique, not reconstructed and, to a considerable extent, an original palace and park ensemble of the 18th century where the architectural monuments are situated that had not been restored from the moment of their creation. That’s why they are of particular value. A little bit about the history of this suburb of Saint Petersburg: at the beginning of the 18th century, lands of the south coast of the Gulf of Finland, situated to the west from Petergoff - the gala residence of Peter the First, were given as a present by the emperor to his favorite and associate, the first governor of Saint-Petersburg, to the prince Alexander Danilovitch Menshikoff. So, just there he decided to build his prince’s palace with a regular garden, fountains, statues and a greenhouse around it. A nameless village and an outskirts of town, formed nearby for workmen who were driven away from different places of Russia, became a core of future town. Since 1710 this place was named Oranienbaum. According to a legend, in 1704 a small greenhouse with orange trees had been found there. A word «oranienbaum» translates from German as «an orange tree». So, the name of the town derives from this German word. But in February of 1948 Oranienbaum was given a new name «Lomonossoff» in honour of the genius Russian scientist, painter, poet and enlightener Michael Vassilievitch Lomonossoff. The palace and park museum of Lomonossoff includes a number of independent ensembles: the ensemble of the Big Oranienbaum palace (or Menshikoff palace) and the Lower garden; the ensemble «Petershtadt» with the Peter the Third’s palace and Peter’s park; the ensemble of the Upper garden. The composition center of the Big palace’s ensemble is a monumental building of the palace, located on the high coastal prominence. Over the centuries the palace interiors, the particularities and edifices of the Lower garden had been transformed and restored. Eventually they began looking impeccably, now they represent an organic combination of different decorative styles. For those who appreciate the architectural art it would be interesting to compare the landscape and the architectural buildings of the town. At present days the palace in Oranienbaum is partly restoring. But you are welcome to visit: the palace of Peter the Third; the Chinese palace; the Chinese hill’s pavilion; the exposition in the Chinese kitchen and in the Cavalry corps; the exposition of the Chinese palace, of the Toboggan-slide. All these monuments represent a great interest because they have been conserved as non-restored ones. That’s why Oranienbaum would be also attractive for experienced connoisseurs of architecture and culture!
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Luga
This town had been founded in 15th century. It is situated between Saint-Petersburg and Pskov, in the picturesque place, on the south of Leningrad Region. The town is the center of the great number of churches and cathedrals (Saint Catherine’s cathedral, cathedral of the Resurrection, the Kazan church, Saint Nikolay roman-catholic church). Besides, the Cheremenzk John-theological monastery is situated in the suburbs of the town, in 20 km from Luga. These sacred places will give the visitors the repose and will charm with their sublime calm. And, of course, you will enjoy visiting to the historical museum of local lore, history and economy of Luga, you will know a lot about the natural particularities and the cultural heritage of Luga-town!
Pavlovsk
So nice in Pavlovsk evening pictures are! I love when cloudless sunset is burning, When tops of trees are ruffled, blazing, And the palace, strewing over with brilliant gold... Jukovskiy V.A. Pavlovsk is the last residence of tzar’s summer ones, created by Romanov’s dynasty near the capital of Russian empire. In 1777 Catherine the Second presented a land to the son of the future emperor Pavel the First. The total area of the land is about 400 hectares, it is situated near the banks of the Slavyanka river that represented a navigable waterway at that time. The formation of the palace and park ensemble had lasted during a half a century. It is practically impossible to view Pavlovsk ensemble for one day. At present days it occupies more than 600 hectares and includes a number of architectural and park buildings, sculptures and picturesque landscape places. The acquaintance with Pavlovsk is advisable to begin with Pavlovsk palace. If you go for a walk through the «Triple path», you will suddenly recognize the edifice of Pavlovsk palace, because there is nothing of the kind in the architecture of Russian classicism. Realization of fantasy, nice calculation and a great talent of the architect of the palace, Charles Cameron, let you infinitely admire the excellent creation. The palace represents the brilliant example of classicism. It looks elegant and austere on the outside and it strikes by the richness and splendor of decoration and furniture. Visiting of Pavlovsk palace, Italian and Greece rooms are particularly interesting to view; the suites of gala chambers are situated symmetrically along the sides of these rooms. Having viewed the palace, you could get acquaintance with Pavlovsk park, with a number of park constructions, sculptures and magnificent landscapes. But it will take a lot more time, you could hardly visit the park and the palace at once. «Temple of friendship», «Private garden», «Pavilion of Three Graces», «Open-air cage», «Pavilion of Rossi», «Cold bath-house», «Dairy-farm», «Temple of Apollo», «Old Sylvia», «Twelve paths», «Amphitheatre», «Monuments to relatives», «Saw-tower», «Ruins’ cascade», «Rose pavilion» - are the names of the constructions, created in Pavlovsk park. You will be very touched by the combination of the architecture of the 18th century with fine landscape surroundings! The essential part of Pavlovsk park and palace ensemble, beside its numerous architectural, park and hydroengineering constructions, bridges and sculptures, well blended with park landscapes, is park fence, railings inside the park and park gates. By the 20th century Pavlovsk celebrated its 224th anniversary. It is not the most ancient from the famous suburbs of Saint-Petersburg. It doesn’t strike by the unforgettable symphony of fountains or bright baroque architecture as, for example, Oranienbaum palaces and pavilions. Pavlovsk is notable for the harmonic combination of art and nature that is unique particularity as in Saint-Petersburg as well in whole Russia. At the beginning of the 19th century the palace and park ensemble of Pavlovsk was subjected to considerable alterationsšand was restored as a complete monument of classicism - so that is also its particularity and value. And, finally, lives and works of many outrageous people of Russian culture are connected with Pavlovsk. Every year Pavlovsk accepts several millions of visitors. Any season Pavlovsk park and palace ensemble gives a great pleasure to anyone, it is really «music for eyes»!
Petrodvoretz
How light! How gloomy as an emerald In shadows of their dense gardens, And how bright, and how clear Is «water-fluent» Petergoff. Vyazemsskiy P.A. The first park and palace ensemble among the most beautiful suburb ensembles that created so-named «pearl necklace of Peterburg» is Petrodvoretz (It means Peter’s Palace). It appeared at the first quarter of the 18th century as the summer gala residence of imperial court and was named «Petergoff» (translated from Holland as Peter’s court). The contemporary borders of Petrodvoretz, that is at the same time the centre of Petrodvoretz Region of Saint-Petersburg, unite several park and palace ensembles and separate historical and architectural complexes of the 18th-19th centuries. This unique architectural and arts palace and park ensemble made Petrodvoretz world-famous. The constellation of palaces, collections and, first of all, fountains and cascades brought to Petergoff-Petrodvoretz the international recognition. At present 14 parks are stretched along the coast of the Gulf of Finland, from Strelna to Petrodvoretz, for more than 10 km. All these parks are opened for walks. Their total area is more than 1000 hectares. The expositions of valuable collections and exhibitions are places in Big Petergoff palace, in «Monplaisir» palace and in «Marlie» palace, in Catherine and Bath-house buildings, in Hermitage pavilion and in Cottage. The beautiful sculpture decorates these parks and their constructions. Four cascades and 150 functioning fountains will amaze your imagination. Petergoff isn’t occasionally called «the capital of fountains». Petergoff surpasses in splendor and richness of decoration, and in originality of technical ideas, the famous Versailles that was taken as the prototype by Peter the Great and also other European park and palace ensembles. An elegant silhouette of the palace, fantastical patterns of water jets, gilt statues, greenery of trees and bushes - all this fine synthesis of architecture, sculpture and landscape art creates really fabulous sight! Diamond fountains are flying With merry noise, to the clouds: And under them statues are shining And seem to be alive...
Pushkin A.S. «Ruslan and Ludmila»š Beside this brilliant fountain complex of Petrodvoretz, it is necessary to note also the park «Alexandria» that is an example of landscape English park. It stands out for the natural landscape: several picturesque groups of trees supplemented with sculptures and architecture of small forms - various bridges, arbors, benches, well blended with park landscape. Such famous buildings as Cottage, Gothic column, Crystal column and others are situated in the park. They will be interesting to visit for all connoisseurs of architecture and culture of past centuries. «Alexander’s», «Colonist’s», «Meadow» and «English» parks are also situated in Petrodvoretz Region. All these parks and palace ensembles will strike you with their splendor and original compositions. Certainly you will desire to come to these beautiful places once again!
Strelna
This town is situated in 27 km from Saint-Petersburg, on the south coast of the Gulf of Finland. Strelna park and palace ensemble is one of the most ancient historical and arts ensembles that is located along Petergoff main road, paved under Peter the First. Orlov park (19 hectares) is an example of the landscape romantic park. It is very pleasant to rest and enjoy the magnificent beauty and nice relaxing atmosphere of surrounding landscape in this park. There is the decorative tower with grotto and the granite Gothic shaft with cast-iron cable column in the heart of the park. This decorative column is characteristic for the architecture of German Middle Ages. The stables of Orlov manor are adorned with expressive high-relief images of horse heads. Forms and ornamental elements of Gothic architecture had been also used in building of the country palace of the prince Livov A.D.. This palace, surrounded of small park, had been built in 1838. Bad consequences of the Great Patriotic war caused substantial damage to the buildings and to the whole ensemble that are restoringšwith difficulty even now. But all these restoring works are expected to give back the beauty to this famous suburb. We invite you to visit this magnificent town of Leningrad Region with travel agency «M-tour»!
Tikhvin š This town is situated in 200 km from Saint-Petersburg. It was founded in 1383. Tikhvin is a native land of the prominent composer Rimsskiy-Korsakov. Now the house where he lived represents an interesting museum. As for historical and architectural monuments of Tikhvin, the most important one is the ensemble of Tikhvin Assumption monastery of the 16th-17th centuries. It is very pleasant to walk about along the streets of the town with ancient wooden houses. There is a Guest’s Yard in the central place that is restoring now. It is important to note that famous Decembrists stayed at the coaching of the post station. Besides, you could visit the museum of local lore, history and economy of Tikhvin or view the sluice of Tikhvin water system. This water lock is the most perfect one among wooden water constructions. Tikhvin-Vvedensskiy monastery, founded in 16th century, is situated in front of town boundaries. This monastery had been completely destroyed by the Swedes, but it was restored in 18th-19th centuries. Silent and quiet places of this area of Leningrad Region will let you retire from daily affairs of big cities and rest among the magic ringing of bells of monasteries! š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š š
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