Tsarskoe Selo (Royal Village), located 25 km south of St. Petersburg, first appeared in the 18C as the summer residence of the Russian tsars. In 1918 the town was renamed into Detskoe Selo (Children’s Village). In 1937 the name was changed into Pushkin, to commemorate the centenary of the great Russian poet’s tragic death.
      Created for two centuries by many prominent architects, the unique architectural ensemble of Pushkin is world famed for its elegant palaces and pavilions, landscape parks and ponds, 18-century marble statues and historic obelisks. This "town of Muses" inspired many celebrated Russian poets, painters and musicians to create their renowned masterpieces in music and art.
      The history of Pushkin dates back to early 18C. At that time the estate called "Saarskaya Myza" (in Finnish "elevated locality") was here. Peter I gave this land first to his favorite, Prince Alexander Menshikov, but later took his gift back and granted it instead to his wife, Ekaterina Alekseevna, the future Empress Catherine I. In 1724 the first palace, known as the "stone mansion" of Catherine I was built and the park was laid down. From that time onwards the place became known as "Tsarskoe Selo" (Royal Village).
      When Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great, inherited this property, she decided to turn this estate into her gala summer residence. By the order of Elizabeth, the unique palace and park ensemble was created here by architects Rastrelli, Zemtsov, Chevakinskiy.
      In 1752-1756 a remarkable Bolshoy Catherine Palace - the striking example of baroque architecture - was built by architect Rastrelli, and numerous entertainment pavilions were erected in the park, including «Hall on the Island», Sliding Hill, Hermitage and Grotto. The splendor of new architectural ensemble immediately caused everybody’s admiration and delight. Tsarskoe Selo became the place for official receptions of Russian nobility and representatives of foreign states, who were visiting Russia with diplomatic missions.
      During the reign of Catherine the Great further significant alterations were made to the palace and park. The Catherine Park was extended with the layout of the garden landscaped in the English style. In the palace itself part of baroque interiors with abundance of gilded moldings and sculptures were completely altered by the Scottish architect Charles Cameron in the spirit of increasingly fashionable Classical style.
      A series of monuments glorifying Russian triumphal victories in the Russo-Turkish and other wars were put up in the newly designed part of the park. Among them are Columns of Chesma and Morea, Kagul Obelisk, all designed by architect Rinaldi, and monumental Tower Ruin designed by architect Velten.
      In 1780s a unique architectural complex in the style of ancient Roman bathhouse was designed by architect Cameron. It comprised Cold Baths with Agate Rooms, the nearby Cameron Gallery used for strolls, Hanging Garden connected with the southern wing of Catherine Palace, and the Ramp by which the aging Catherine the Great could walk down to the park. Another outstanding architect, Q. Quarenghi, was responsible for designing of park pavilions in Classical style, including Temple of Friendship, Concert Pavilion, and redesigning of «Hall on the Island».
      Many pavilions in the park were designed by the Russian architect Neelov and his sons. Among the more noteworthy are Admiralty, the Hermitage Kitchen, Grande and Small Caprices, Upper and Lower Baths, Grand Duke Pavilion, Lyceum, Evening Hall, Marble Bridge.
      In the early 19C the land on which the menagerie had stood was replanned and made into part of the Alexander Park, which joins the northern end of the Catherine Park. It was here that the idea to create a unique architectural ensemble in Chinoiserie style was put into life. Among pavilions designed in the park were Chinese Village, Chinese Theater and Chinese Bridges. In 1796 architect Quarenghi was commissioned by Catherine the Great to design the Alexander Palace for her favorite grandson, future Emperor Alexander I. Later Nicholas I turned the palace into his favorite summer residence. He also commissioned architects Menelaws and Neelov to design a number of buildings in the Medieval Gothic style to bring out the romantic character of the park. Among buildings were Arsenal, Chapel, White Tower, Lamskoy Pavilion and others.
      The last Russian tsar Nicholas II lived in Alexander Palace to the very moment when he and his family were taken away to begin the fatal trip that concluded in Ekaterinburg.

      Tsarskoe Selo is also associated with Russia’s greatest poet Alexander Pushkin, who studied in the town’s Lyceum from 1811 to 1817. Here, in Tsarskoe Selo, Pushkin’s presence can be felt everywhere: in the beautiful Tsarskoe Selo Park where the young poet used to wonder, in the town to which Pushkin dedicated so many of his famous verses, and in the building of the Lyceum itself, which currently houses a memorial museum.

      During the Second World War many glorious monuments suffered badly. Park pavilions, bridges and water systems were completely destroyed by the Nazis. Many century-old trees were chopped down. Bolshoy Catherine Palace and Alexander Palace were completely looted and badly damaged. When the Nazis were finally driven out of Pushkin, work began on restoration of unique architectural ensemble. Presently, major monuments have been restored and are open for public.
Currently the Catherine Park is open for visitors year round, except November. From mid May till October the entrance fee is charged from 9:30 to 17:30. During summer time thematic excursions of the park are available. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices by the entrance. For information, call 465-53-08.
The museum also offers a wide range of opportunities on organizing of gala events with cultural programs arranged on park premises.
For more information, call 466-66-66.

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