Things to Do at Catherine Palace

The Catherine Palace, located in the town of Tsarskoye Selo (now Pushkin) just outside St. Petersburg, stands as one of travel to Russia's most magnificent imperial residences. Originally built in 1717 for Catherine I, the palace was dramatically expanded and transformed by Empress Elizabeth in the 1740s under the direction of Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The baroque masterpiece stretches over 300 meters in length and is adorned with an iconic blue and white facade accented with golden details. The palace is world-renowned for housing the legendary Amber Room, often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World,' which was painstakingly reconstructed after being lost during World War II. Beyond this famous chamber, the palace contains dozens of ornate state rooms that showcase the opulence of Russian imperial life, featuring intricate parquet floors, gilded moldings, and priceless artwork. The surrounding Catherine Park, with its formal gardens, lakes, and pavilions, provides an equally stunning backdrop that changes dramatically with the seasons.

Take the suburban train (elektrichka) from St. Petersburg's Vitebsky Station to Tsarskoye Selo station (30 minutes), then bus #371 or #382 to the palace gates. Alternatively, take bus #287 or #342 from Moskovskaya metro station (45 minutes). Many visitors opt for organized tours or taxis, which take about 45 minutes from central St. Petersburg depending on traffic. The palace is located at 7 Sadovaya Street in Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoye Selo).