Catherine Park surrounds Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, in Pushkin, about 25 km southeast of St Petersburg. Its formal garden and English-style landscape park bring together ponds, bridges, sculptures and pavilions in markedly different styles. Walk the symmetrical grounds near the palace, then follow paths towards the Great Pond and the park’s more natural-looking areas. Pavilions such as the Chinese-style building and Cold Baths add architectural detail, while paths behind the palace lead to gardens with statues. Allow several hours to explore; seeing the grounds at an unhurried pace can take much of a day.
Two gardens in one park
Catherine Park is part of the Tsarskoye Selo complex in Pushkin, about 25 km southeast of St Petersburg. It takes its name from Catherine Palace, which forms the centre of the park ensemble. The grounds are divided into the regular Old Garden and a larger landscape park in the English style.
The Old Garden began to take shape in the 1720s, opposite the palace, under Dutch master gardeners Jan Roosen and Johann Vocht. It was enlarged and remodelled later in the 18th century, when new pavilions and sculptures were added. The park’s layout changed with the tastes of successive imperial owners. Catherine II favoured the English landscape style, and the grounds were extended and partly redesigned to reflect it.
From palace terraces to the Great Pond
The formal garden lies in front of the palace’s eastern side, with orderly paths and symmetrical features. Marble Greek statues add to its classical character. Beyond it, the landscape park surrounds the Great Pond, with a less regular arrangement of trees, water and buildings. Boathouses and the Chesma Column are among the features in this area; the column commemorates Russia’s victory over the Turks at Chesma Bay in 1770.
Bridges, sculptures, quays and pavilions are spread across the grounds, so the walk is as much about the route between landmarks as any single stop. The Cameron Gallery, between the palace and the park, normally has rotating exhibitions. Nearby, a ramp added by architect Charles Cameron points south and allowed the ageing empress to descend from the gallery into the park.
Pavilions and paths to seek out
The park’s buildings draw on a range of styles, including Baroque, classicism, Chinese-inspired design and European Gothic. The Cold Baths pavilion contains the Agate Rooms and requires a ticket, according to the information available. The Chinese-style pavilion and Italian-style pavilion are listed as free to visit; the latter is noted for Roman mosaics dating to the second century. Access arrangements can differ between buildings, so check what is open before planning your route.
For a quieter walk, continue behind the palace and turn left towards gardens with statues. Families can use the park’s paths for exploring, and squirrels or chickadees may be seen along the way. The grounds are extensive: a focused stroll takes a few hours, while seeing many of the pavilions, bridges and statues can fill much of a day.
FAQ
Where is Catherine Park?
It is in Tsarskoye Selo, in Pushkin, about 25 km southeast of St Petersburg. The park surrounds Catherine Palace.
How long should I plan for Catherine Park?
Allow around 3 to 4 hours for a substantial walk. Exploring many pavilions, bridges and statues can take most of a day.
What can you see in Catherine Park?
The grounds include a formal garden, an English-style landscape park, the Great Pond, sculptures, bridges and pavilions. The Cold Baths, Chinese-style pavilion and Italian-style pavilion are among the named buildings.
Are the park pavilions free to enter?
Admission differs by pavilion: the available information lists the Chinese-style and Italian-style pavilions as free, while the Cold Baths require a ticket. Check current access details before your visit.
