Sights of Lomonosov (Oranienbaum)

Lomonosov is a city whose attractions really deserve attention. It is here that the only one of its kind is the palace ensemble of the 18th century. Previously, the city, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, was called Oranienbaum. It was a suburban residence of Russian rulers and their favorites. In this article you will find the most interesting information about the sights of Lomonosov (photo of ancient palaces and their description).

History of Oranienbaum

During the Northern War, Russia included Swedish lands on the coast of the Gulf of Finland and the Neva River. Here Peter I laid Saint Petersburg. The lands around the new city were granted to the approximate emperor. The founder of Oranienbaum is the favorite AD Menshikov. In 1707, he built the first wooden palace here. Three years later, the building began to build stone buildings. Thanks to talented garden artists and architects, an incredibly beautiful park appeared here. Under Elizaveta Petrovna, the beautiful palaces were taken over by Petr Fyodorovich. It housed his summer residence, in which the prince was resting with his wife. At this time in Oranienbaum worked world-famous architect Rastrelli. According to his project, the Stone Hall and the Picture Courtyard were built on the territory of the residence. Later, the architect Rinaldi worked there, who built the Chinese Palace, Petrovsky Park and the Rolling Hill.

Oranienbaum today

Today the former Oranienbaum was transformed into the city of Lomonosov (Leningrad region). The sights of the former princely residence still attract tourists from all over the world. The total area of the complex is 162 hectares. In 2011, large-scale restoration work was carried out here. Today the former residence of Menshikov is very popular among travelers and ranks on the same level with Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo. It is important to note that most of the buildings here remained intact, as the town was not damaged during wars and revolutions.

So, let's look at the main sights of Lomonosov (Oranienbaum).

The Great Menshikov Palace

This building is a fine example of Baroque times of Peter the Great. The palace was erected according to the project of the outstanding architect F. Fontana. Rastrelli was engaged in the reconstruction of the building during the time of Peter III.

Initially, the construction of the palace was due to strategic goals. As is known, in 1704 Peter I ordered the construction of the fortress Kronstadt on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. His favorite Menshikov was appointed as an observer of the construction process. From the palace, which today is one of the main attractions of Oranienbaum, the prince could see the fortress in a telescope.

Today in front of the palace is a beautiful park - Lower Garden.

Poteshnaya fortress of Peter III

The next owner of the residence - Peter III - erected here the Potreshny Fortress. On its territory there were barracks, arsenal and other buildings and warehouses. Near the fortress was built a small palace designed by the Italian A. Rinaldi. It has survived to this day and is one of the most beautiful monuments of Russian architecture of the 18th century.

Today, all tourists have a unique opportunity to visit the rooms of the palace, in which Peter III himself rested. In one of the premises of the building - the Picture Hall - there are valuable works of Dutch, Italian and Flemish paintings. These paintings were part of the collection of Peter III. Also here you can see the personal belongings of the prince, clothes and furniture.

Considering the most interesting sights of Lomonosov, one can not help recalling the "Own Dacha" of Catherine the Great. Today this ensemble consists of two parts: the Chinese Palace and the Roller Coaster.

Chinese Palace

The Chinese palace is a unique architectural monument of the second half of the 18th century. Outwardly, the building is not very pompous. But the interior of the palace is striking in its grandeur and beauty. Its interior embodies the oriental motifs. But the real work of art is the so-called Steklarusny Cabinet. On its walls there are more than 20 paintings by P. Rotari, which harmoniously fit into the interior of the room.

Roller Coaster

This is perhaps the most interesting and unusual project of A. Rinaldi. The ensemble named "Katalnaya Gorka" included a pavilion (preserved to this day), large colonnades, as well as hill-slopes for wheelchair riding.

Today everyone can visit the pavilion building. Its lush interior and elegant shapes are impressive. Especially valuable is the Porcelain Cabinet. It is considered to be one of the best examples of interior art. The walls of the room are decorated with porcelain products ordered by Catherine the Great in Meissen.

Sights of Lomonosov (former Oranienbaum) will impress every tourist. They not only amaze with beauty and grandeur, but also store in themselves the spirit of past eras.