🏰 Gatchina Palace – The Imperial Hideaway of Tsars

📍 Location: 1 Krasnoarmeysky Prospect, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia 🕒 Opening Hours: – Palace Museum: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Mondays & first Tuesday of the month) – Park: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM 🎟 Entry Fee: ~₽500–₽700 for the palace; park access often free or small fee in high season 🌟 Why Visit? • A Royal Fortress & Residence: Built in the 1760s for Count Orlov and later a favorite residence of Emperor Paul I, Gatchina combines the elegance of a palace with the strength of a fortress • Romantic Architecture: Unique for its medieval castle-like look—a blend of classical, baroque, and Gothic styles surrounded by moats and towers • Rich Interiors: Restored halls showcase imperial furniture, portraits, weaponry, and the mysterious underground passage once used by the tsars • Vast Parklands: The palace sits in a stunning English-style landscape park with lakes, bridges, hidden pavilions, and long walking trails ✅ Tips for Visitors • Gatchina is just 1 hour by train from St. Petersburg (Baltic Station) – perfect for a day trip • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring both the palace and its huge park • Don’t miss the Signal Tower for panoramic views of the grounds #历史古迹 #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip #旅行酷体验#博物馆