Oranienbaum

In spite of being less popular in comparison to the other summer residences, Oranienbaum can boast of an impressive history.

The estate belonged to Prince Menshikov, who was given this magnificent gift by Peter the Great. The Grand Palace had been built by the time His Highness Prince Menshikov fell into disgrace. For a while the estate was passed from one state institution to another, until it became the residence of the Great Prince Peter Fedorovich, the future emperor Peter III, for whom the model fortress was built.

In 1762, Peter III was killed and the crown passed to Catherine II. A summer house was built for her personal use at Oranienbaum, and was the first and only building in the rococo style in Russia at the time. After Catherine the Great, Oranienbaum belonged to Emperor Alexander I, his brother Mikhail Pavlovich, and the dukes of Mecklenburg-strelitz.

All the different owners left their mark in the park and grounds.

The majestic Grand Palace harks back to the era of Peter the Great; the Petrovsky Park, with its model fortress, takes us back to the childhood of Peter III, and the Sobstvennaya Dacha, the Katalnaya Gorka (roller coaster pavilion) and Chinese Palace were built by Catherine II.

The Imperial summer residences are just one more reason to visit the beautiful St Petersburg. Another reason to go now is that July and August are considered to be the best months to spend time in the northern capital of Russia.