Prince Alexander Menshikov, a close associate of Peter the Great, was so inspired by the construction of Peterhof, the future summer residence of the Tsar, that when he had been given the land nearby, he decided to build something equally splendid and impressive, a summer palace with orange groves.
Unfortunately, his dreams did not come true; in fact these ambitions played a bitter trick on Menshikov, which eventually ended in exile. Nevertheless, the palace has survived to this day and was the only palace in the suburbs of St. Petersburg, which was not captured by the enemy during the Great Patriotic War.
Things You will learn:
- What was Catherine the Great's favorite entertainment and how it became famous all over the world;
- Why A. Menshikov was exiled;
- What happened to jewels of A. Menshikov after his arrest;
- Why Peter III cried in the palace;
- Why was there a canal in front of the palace, and how was it being dug;
- The favourite private retreat of Empress Catherine II.
Available options for a visit:
- Parks
- Oranienbaum palace
- Chinese palace
- The Palace Church
Working Hours:
Wednesday - Monday
10.00 - 18.00
Tuesday - Closed
Average tour duration is about 5 hours.
*For your comfort, we arrange a car service with a professional driver.
*On your tour you will be accompanied by an experienced and licensed (highest category) guide.