Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin) - A walk through Catherine Park, the first days of summer

Pushkin, Tsarskoye Selo Museum-Reserve, Catherine Park.

A stunning example of the greatness of the Russian Empire and the grandiose work of restorers.

Previously, this territory belonged to the Swedes, there was a rich man's estate here. Peter I gave the land to his wife, Catherine I. According to legend, the founder of the Old (Dutch) Garden is the emperor himself! In the middle of the XVIII century, redevelopment was carried out here, sculptures appeared and an English garden was also laid out. The park is named after the Catherine Palace, the summer residence of three empresses: Catherine I, Elizabeth, Catherine II. It was severely damaged during the Great Patriotic War, and it began to be restored even during the harsh war years. So already in 1945, the first visitors walked here. Since the 1980s it has become a nature reserve. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.