Aubrey Chernick Photos From Catherine Palace

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Catherine PalaceIn 1717, German architect, Johann-Freiedruch Braunstien, built a summer palace for Catherine I of Russia. With direction from Empress Elizabeth, Mikhail Zemtsov and Andrei Kvasov expanded the residence in 1733.

Nonetheless, in May of 1752 the original palace was torn down as Empress Elizabeth found its design to be outdated. She requested Bartolomeo Rastrelli, her court architect, build a more glorious monument with a Rococo inspired style.

On July 30th 1756, after four years of construction, the 325-meter-long palace was presented by the architect to the Empress, ambassadors, and courtiers.

Located next to the town of TsarskoeSelo, the palace is set behind a cast-iron grille. It was rumored that this extravagant palace’s entire roof was made of gold. There were over 100 kilograms of gold used within the edifice and the statues that were placed on its roof. Two huge towers, built in Rococo style, are displayed at the grand entrance of palace.

The palace surrounds the Hermitage Pavilion, designed by Mikhail Zemtsov in 1744 and remodeled by Francesco Bartolomero Rastrelli in 1749.

Catherine Palace architectural detail.

Catherine Palace Painting

Catherine the Great’s costume.

Catherine Palace gold detail.

Catherine Palace Art Work

Catherine Palace Domes