Sights of Strelna. Excursion to Strelna

The sights of Strelna have been included in the lists of the most beautiful monuments of Russia for many years. A small village, located 20 km from St. Petersburg, attracts more and more tourists every year. In the Petrine times, the construction of a country residence began here. At that time, well-known monuments appeared: wooden and Konstantinovsky palaces, Strelninsky park. So, the main character of our publication is the village of Strelna. Sights (how to get here, we'll tell you a little later) it is the subject of this article.

From Strelny's history

The village of Strelna in St. Petersburg, whose attractions still attract tourists from all over Russia, at the beginning of the XVIII century. Was in the possession of the imperial family. "Russian Versalia" - this was the name of this place in Peter's times. At the great Russian emperor here was laid a wooden Travel Palace. A little later, in 1720, the construction of the Konstantinovsky Castle began. Then, near it, the most beautiful Strelninsky park was arranged.

In 1722 the settlement passed into the possession of Elizabeth. During her reign, the country house of rulers became Peterhof, and Strelna performed the functions of the travel residence. The sights, photos of which can be seen below, are of historical value.

In 1797, the imperial territories became the property of Konstantin Pavlovich (son of Paul I).

During the Second World War, Strelna was captured by German troops. This territory was used as a springboard for the bombardment of Leningrad.

In 2003 a state complex called the Palace of Congresses was established on the territory of the former travel residence.

Excursion to Strelna

Annually hundreds of travelers come to the village to see the sights of Strelna. You can get here by several routes:

• By trains, they run daily from the Baltic Station of St. Petersburg. A significant disadvantage of this option is that you must walk from the terminal station "Strelna" to the main sights.
• On the shuttle bus - the fastest and most convenient way to get to the former travel residence. Buses run daily from St. Petersburg to the Upper Strelna Park.
• Tram from the metro station "Avtovo".

Start your tour of Strelna best from the Trinity-Sergius desert. After visiting the holy places, you can go to the main attraction - the Konstantinovsky Palace. The next object, which must be seen, is the Travel Palace. Then, to learn more about the noble Orlovs, you need to visit the Orel manor and the park. And to complete an amazing journey along Strelna follows in the Russian village of Shuvalovka.

So, let's talk more about the main attractions of Strelna.

Konstantinovsky Palace

According to the plans of Peter I this palace was to eclipse the French Versailles by its beauty and perfection. For its design and construction, the most famous masters - Nicolo Michetti, B. Rastrelli - were involved. Unfortunately, after the death of the emperor, the unfinished palace was neglected. Prior to the transfer to the possession of Konstantin Pavlovich, he performed the function of the wine storehouse. The building acquired its modern appearance only at the beginning of the 19th century. The architect A. N. Voronikhin completely changed the interior of the palace. He remade the interior in antique style.

During the Second World War, the palace and park ensemble was almost completely destroyed. Its reconstruction was completed only in 2003.

Today the Konstantinovsky Palace is open to visitors. There is also a museum here. The exposition of the Konstantinovsky Palace presents collections of paintings collected by Mstislav Rostropovich and Galina Vishnevskaya.

The Traveling Palace

The Travel Palace in Strelna is the earliest building on the territory of the imperial residence. Its construction began in 1716. In the design and construction of the Traveling Palace took part such famous architects as Voronikhin, Bartolomeo, Rastrelli. The area around the building was arranged: there was an orchard, a bee-garden, a garden.

Today the Travel Palace has been completely restored and is open for visiting. Among the exhibits exhibited in the building, attention is drawn to the lifetime portrait of the great Emperor Peter I. In addition, here you can see an impression of the hand of the Russian ruler and a patch plaque sewn by Catherine I.

Trinity-Sergius desert

Speaking about the attractions of Strelna, we can not fail to mention the Trinity-Sergius desert. It is a monastery founded in the XVIII century. On its territory there are ancient churches, cathedrals, chapels and a beautiful garden. Here, at the Trinity Cathedral, once was the only monastery belfry.

Today, a special interest for tourists is the temple in the name of St. Gregory the Theologian. It was built in the middle of the XIX century. The uniqueness of the temple is that it was erected on the grave of the favorite of Paul I, Count Kushelev. Today the church is under restoration.

Another interesting object of the Trinity-Sergius desert is the chapel in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, located on the coast of the Port Canal.

Orel manor and park

Orel estate - the former possession of Count Orlov, transferred to him for his services during the suppression of the Decembrist uprising. To equip his territory, he invited the architect Sadovnikov. By his efforts, these lands were turned into a beautiful park with extraordinary fountains, unique statues and intricate labyrinths.

Today, on the territory of the former Orel manor, you can see the ruins of a count's castle, a well, as well as the most beautiful Lviv palace erected in the Gothic style.