1. Introduction
Located in the town of Pushkin near St. Petersburg, Tsarskoe Selo, which translates to “Tsars’ Village” in Russian, is a stunning palace complex featuring historical attractions that offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Russian royalty.
2. The Sights at Tsarskoe Selo
Visiting Tsarskoe Selo for the first time? There are key sights you won’t want to miss. For return visits, numerous secondary attractions and temporary exhibitions await, most requiring additional fees and time.
- Catherine Palace: This grand palace, built by Empress Elizabeth, gained prominence under Catherine the Great, who transformed it to suit her extravagant tastes. The luxurious rooms evoke her presence, and visitors can marvel at the remarkable Amber Room, renowned for its intricate amber designs.
- Catherine Park: Beyond its name, Catherine Park offers splendid gardens and outbuildings linked to the palace. Enjoy a ferry ride around the Great Pond or stroll through the park, reminiscent of walks taken by Catherine the Great and her beloved dogs, honored with a dedicated cemetery.
- Alexander Park: In contrast to the well-maintained Catherine Park, Alexander Park is more natural. It invites you to imagine the playful moments of Nicholas II’s children. Additionally, it bears historical significance as Rasputin was buried nearby after his infamous demise.
3. Planning Your Visit to Tsarskoe Selo
To fully experience Tsarskoe Selo, allocate an entire day, particularly in summer when tourist numbers peak. Guided tours are predominantly in Russian, with English tours available based on guide availability. Note that individual visitors cannot book tickets in advance for museum entry.
Each section of Tsarskoe Selo has its entry fee; therefore, budget accordingly. Tickets for Catherine Park and Catherine Palace must be purchased together. While tickets for the Alexander Palace are available on-site, there’s no fee to enter Alexander Park.
Anticipate higher prices for snacks at the palace complex. Consider sampling Russian street food, such as blini, for a quick and economical meal. Cafes within the complex also provide a chance to relax and recharge.
For detailed information on ticket prices, operational hours, and current exhibitions, refer to the Tsarskoe Selo website available in both English and Russian.
4. Getting to Tsarskoe Selo
When traveling to Tsarskoe Selo, recognizing Russian terms on signs can be beneficial, as they typically appear only in Cyrillic. Located about 25 kilometers from St. Petersburg, Tsarskoe Selo [Царское Село] is accessible via minibusses from the Vitebsky rail terminal, with a stop at Detskoye Selo [Детское Село]. You can also reach the site from metro stations like Moskovskaya [Московская], Kupchino [Купчино], and Zvezdnaya [Звездная]. Most minibus routes necessitate a change in Pushkin.
