Alexandrian Park in Peterhof: description, sights, mode of operation and interesting facts

One of the most popular tourist cities is Peterhof, located 29 kilometers west of St. Petersburg. In this place is concentrated a large number of monuments of architecture and history, museums, fountains, palaces of tsarist Russia. Tourists from all over the world come to admire the beauty here.

For example, Alexandria Park is one of the main attractions and a favorite destination for visiting visitors.

History of creation

There is a park in the northern part of the city, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The territory occupies about 115 hectares of terrain with picturesque landscapes.

Alexandria Park in Peterhof began its history as far back as the 18th century, just then the Emperor Peter 1 ordered to give these lands to the dachas. Over time, this territory becomes the property of Anna Ioannovna, who decides to equip a beautiful place for hunting here.

For this, the area of almost 6 square kilometers is protected by a special fence and houses are being built for guests. On the shore of the bay was built a gazebo "Tempel" - a favorite place of the queen. This building is a place frequented by tourists who came on an excursion to Alexandria Park. Menagerie in Peterhof (the so-called hunting grounds) represented a wide variety of animals - boars, hares, deer, wolves, bears, arctic foxes and even tigers.

In the seventies in Tsarskoe Selo decided to build a summer imperial cottage for recreation. Already in the 19th century Nicholas 1 presented these lands as a gift to his wife Alexandra Feodorovna.

Alexandria Park is considered a monument not only of architecture, but also of history, because it was here that four generations of the Romanov family lived.

Most of the buildings in it are represented in the Neo-Gothic style. They were created by famous architects: Scotsman A. Menelas, Russian AI Stakenschneider and German KF Shinkel. During its existence, the park has undergone many changes, especially the great destruction was during the Second World War.

Nowadays it is one of the national landmarks of the region, representing a palace and park ensemble. It is also a great place for walking and relaxing with family or friends.

Description of beauties

In addition to a large variety of monuments located on the territory, the Alexandrian Park boasts its meadows, hills, glades. In the park grow majestic oaks, slender birch beauties. Also there are rare species of trees and shrubs imported from exotic countries. Thanks to the successful combination of terrain and green spaces, the landscape of the park is simply incomparable. Also, the entire territory is decorated with small sculptures, gazebos and guard.

One of the main attractions is the Nikolskaya Alley, which starts at the western gate in a stone wall and runs straight through the whole of Alexandria Park - to the Great Pond. She divided the area into the northern coastal and southern highlands.

Stately buildings

Also very popular among the guests is the Palace Cottage, which is the main part of the park's architecture. From its balconies a beautiful view of the Gulf of Finland opens. It was here that Nikolai spent his summer vacation.

The building is built in the Neo-Gothic style. Around the house is planted a large and beautiful garden, in which there is a gazebo and arranged sculptures.

Particular attention is attracted to the Chapel, which is a church built in 1834. It is named after the great Alexander Nevsky. The building is not very large, on its facade can be found forty-three holy images.

Despite the style of construction (medieval, Gothic), the Orthodox Church has been conducting its services here since 2006, and before that time there was a museum.

The history of one palace

Not far from the western entrance, on the hill, is the Farm Palace. His story is very interesting. Initially, a cowshed with a dairy farm was built here. Subsequently, minor changes, which were constantly made by the architects, led to the fact that a simple pavilion became a palace.

Over time, this place became a favorite for the summer country vacation of the family of Alexander II. Near the palace was equipped with a playground for games.

The building also has historical value - it was here that the draft decree on the abolition of serfdom was considered. In addition, during the construction of the building a technical breakthrough was made - the first elevator was installed, although it worked manually.

In its history, the palace has seen a lot: children and grandchildren of emperors, a museum on its territory, a boarding house, and destruction during the war.

Nowadays a complete restoration of the building has begun, but all efforts have destroyed the fire that has occurred through the fault of the workers. In this connection, everything was started first. So, in 2010, the Farm Palace, completely renovated, opened its doors to guests.

Famous buildings

The last in the list of major attractions of the park is the Lower Dacha of Nicholas II, which is located in a picturesque coastal place. A historic document was signed here - a manifesto on Russia's accession to the First World War.

During the revolution, this building received the most damage, so for the safety of tourists, the remains of the building were blown up. In our time, reconstruction work has not begun.

Also in the park is the Great Ruined Stone Bridge. Its name is associated with the nearby ruins of the Monkuraz Palace - it was not built by AD Menshikov at the time.

How to get there?

Having decided to admire the sights of the native land before you go on the road, you should know how to get to Alexandria Park from St. Petersburg. The easiest route for tourists is by private car: just enter the address into the navigator and follow the paved path.

By train: from the Baltic station go to the stop "New Peterhof". Then, according to your desire, walk a little more than a kilometer or take the local bus number 200A or 278 to the stop "Museum".

It will be very convenient to take a shuttle bus that runs along the St. Petersburg Highway and stops opposite the entrance to the square. You can reach the metro stations "Avtovo", "Leninsky Prospekt" and the Baltic Railway Station.

Before you go on an excursion, you need to ask when it opens to visit the Alexandria Park. The mode of operation of the Upper and Lower viewing platforms is daily from 9.00 to 20.00 hours, and on Saturday - to 23.00. Accepts the park of its guests all year round.

Impressions of guests

Visiting tourists, local residents who visited Alexandria Park, the reviews leave very positive. A huge well-groomed territory, beautiful landscapes, lots of greenery: trees, bushes and flower beds; Unique palaces, sculptures installed on the territory, bridges, fountains.

The only thing that afflicts visiting visitors is high prices for admission, but despite this, the number of those who want to get acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage of their native land is very large.