It took over three centuries (18-20th) to create this majestic palace and gardens. The complex has a mixture of architectural (baroque to rococo to art nouveau ) and landscaping (English to French to freeform) styles with influence from many countries. Tzars and tzarinas enjoyed the pleasures of the palace for many years. After the Revolution of 1917, the property was converted into a museum.
Then, it took only 28 months during the Great Patriotic War (WW II) to almost completely destroy the complex. Gardens were turned into trenches and foxholes. Bridges, dams, and cascades in the town and park lands were partially demolished, not to mention untold damage to the palace itself.
The German invasion was halted by the Russian army in winter of 1941. In April 1944, the Council of People's Commissars decreed to restore and preserve the complex. Vintage paintings, sketches, and photos helped to achieve the original look. The first halls opened in 1959 for exhibition. Restoration continues as 20,000 visitors per day pass through these halls.
As we exited the building we went through the original Staff Hall. It was lined with photos of war damage...
...and famous people that have visited here. There's Liza Minelli in the bottom row.
Outside the sun was shining as we strolled the grounds and viewed interesting and varied pavilions. I could imagine romantic walks along the pathways, enjoying nature's finest of flora and fauna.
I don't have a photo, but all along the back of the building was a wide "patio" overlooking the park and gardens. These are the steps coming down from the patio.
On our right was the Catherine the Great addition--the Cameron Gallery, circa 1785. Remember the original structure and name of this edifice was for Catherine 1, second wife of PtG. CtG wanted this addition because she felt the original structure was too old-fashioned.
These steps come down from the end of that addition into the gardens. Off to the left were more private gardens. It was said that CtG was near bald but could freely wander here in private without her wigs or fancy attire.
As we strolled along we saw vendors selling works of art one could buy as a remembrance of their visit.
Jerolyn, a Kalamazoo friend who visited Russia 16 times (Pushkin is her fave city), told us about her friend Vladimir Vereschagin (1949-still alive) who often sells art here. It turns out he had exhibited his work in Kalamazoo a few years back and Mike and I had purchased two pieces from him. We looked for him at the palace, but didn't see him there that day.
I hope he doesn't mind if we show off his art here. He is on several websites, so Google his full name.
There is another famous artist, Vasily Vereshchagin (1842-1904) who has paintings in the Hermitage. Don't get them confused. Way different kind of style. I wonder if they are related?!
Grounds continued.
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