Pavlovsk

Why go

Pavlovsk rewards attention to scale, orientation, and setting. Pavlovsk (Па́вловск) is a town situated in Russia, 30 kilometres (19 mi) from and under the jurisdiction of Saint Petersburg, just to the south of Tsarskoye Selo. Before leaving, compare one close detail of Pavlovsk with its broadest public view.

What to look for

• Pavlovsk: Compare the formal entrance with the less ceremonial edges.
• Pavlovsk: Watch how light changes the relief and surface color.
• Pavlovsk: Include the adjacent street or waterfront in the final view.

The full story

Pavlovsk (Па́вловск) is a town situated in Russia, 30 kilometres (19 mi) from and under the jurisdiction of Saint Petersburg, just to the south of Tsarskoye Selo. The town developed around the Pavlovsk Palace, one of the most splendid residences of the Russian imperial family. It is part of the World Heritage Site Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments. The palace of Pavel I The town's history started in 1777 when Catherine II granted some 362 desyatinas (977 acres; 395 ha) of land along the Slavyanka River to her son Paul upon the birth of his first child. The name Pavlovsk derives from Paul's name in Russian, Pavel. In 1780, the fashionable Scottish architect Charles Cameron was made responsible for construction activities in Pavlovsk. His Neoclassical design for the Grand Palace was approved. Around the palace a huge English park was laid out, with numerous temples, colonnades, bridges, and statues.

Useful to know

• Walk Pavlovsk in daylight, then compare its outline with Pavlovsk Park.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.