Одним из самых популярных туристических городов is Peterhof, located 29 kilometers west of St. Petersburg. A large number of monuments of architecture and history, museums, fountains, palaces from the times of tsarist Russia are concentrated in this place. Tourists from all over the world come to admire the local beauty.
For example, Alexandria Park is one of the main attractions and a favorite place for visiting guests.
History of creation
The park is located in the northern part of the city, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. The territory occupies about 115 hectares of land with beautiful landscapes.
Alexandria Park in Peterhof began itshistory as early as the 18th century, it was then that Emperor Peter I ordered to give these lands to the dachas. Over time, this territory becomes the property of Anna Ioannovna, who decides to arrange here a great place for hunting.
For this terrain is almost 6 square.kilometers of fence with a special fence and begin to build houses for the guests. On the shore of the bay, the Tempel arbor was erected - the queen's favorite place. This building is a place frequented by tourists who came on an excursion to Alexandria Park. The menagerie in Peterhof (the so-called hunting grounds) represented a large variety of animals - wild boars, hares, deer, wolves, bears, Arctic foxes and even tigers.
In the seventies, in Tsarskoye Selo, they decided to build a summer imperial summerhouse for rest. Already in the 19th century, Nicholas 1 presented this land as a gift to his wife, Alexandra Feodorovna.
Alexandria Park is considered a monument not only of architecture, but also of history, because it was here that four generations of the Romanov family lived.
Most of the buildings in it are presented inneo-gothic style. They were created by famous architects: Scot A. Menelas, Russian A. I. Shtakenshneider and German KF Schinkel. During its existence, the park has undergone many changes, especially great destruction was during the Second World War.
Nowadays, it is one of the national landmarks of the region, representing a palace and park ensemble. It is also a great place for walking and relaxing with family or friends.
Description of beauty
In addition to a wide variety of monuments,located on the territory of Alexandria Park boasts its own meadows, hills and glades. In the park grow majestic oaks, slender beauties of birch. There are also rare species of trees and shrubs, imported from exotic countries. Thanks to the successful combination of terrain and greenery, the landscape of the park is simply incomparable. Also, the whole area is decorated with small sculptures, gazebos and guard houses.
One of the main attractions isNikolskaya Alley, which begins at the western gate in the stone wall and runs a straight line through the entire Alexandria Park - to the Great Pond. She divided the terrain into the northern coastal and southern highlands.
Stately buildings
Also very popular with guestsenjoys Palace Cottage, it is he who is the main part of the park's architecture. From its balconies a beautiful view of the Gulf of Finland. It was here that spent his summer vacation Nicholas 1.
The building was built in neo-gothic style. A large and beautiful garden is planted around the house, in which there is a gazebo and sculptures.
Particular attention attracts Capella,which is a church built in 1834. It was named in honor of the great Alexander Nevsky. The building is not very large, on its facade you can count forty-three holy images.
Despite the style of construction (medieval, Gothic), the Orthodox Church has been here since 2006, and before that time there was a museum.
The story of one palace
Not far from the west entrance, on the hill,Farmers Palace is located. His story is very interesting. Initially, a cowshed with a dairy farm was built in this place. Subsequently, minor changes that were constantly made by architects led to the simple pavilion becoming a palace.
Over time, this place has become a favorite for the summer vacation of the family of Alexander II. Next to the palace was equipped with a playground for games.
The building also has historical value.it was here that they considered the draft decree on the abolition of serfdom. In addition, during the construction of the building a technical breakthrough was made - the first elevator was installed, although it worked manually.
Throughout its history, a lot has seen the palace: the children and grandchildren of the emperors, a museum on its territory, a boarding house, destruction during the war.
Nowadays, the complete restoration of the building has begun,but all the efforts were destroyed by the fire caused by the workers. In this regard, everything was started over. So, in 2010, the Farmers' Palace, fully renovated, opened its doors to guests.
Famous buildings
Last on the list of major attractionsThe park is the lower cottage of Nicholas II, which is located in a picturesque coastal location. Here the signing of a historical document took place - a manifesto on Russia's entry into the First World War.
During the revolution, this building received the most damage, so for the safety of tourists, the remains of the building were blown up. In our time, restoration work has not begun.
Also in the park there is the Bolshoy Ruinny stone bridge. Its name is associated with the nearby ruins of the Monkurazh Palace - AD Menshikov did not complete it at one time.
How to get there?
Deciding to admire the sightsnative land, before you go on the road, you should learn how to get to Alexandria Park from St. Petersburg. The easiest route for tourists is by car: you just have to enter the address in the navigator and follow the paved path.
On the train:from the Baltiysky railway station, get to the New Peterhof stop. Then, if you wish, take a walk a little over a kilometer or take the local bus number 200A or 278 to the stop "Museum".
Очень удачно будет воспользоваться маршрутными taxis that go along the St. Petersburg highway and stop in front of the square entrance. You can get there from the metro stations Avtovo, Leninsky Prospekt and the Baltic Railway Station.
Before you go on a trip, you mustinquire when the park of Alexandria is opened to visit. The mode of operation of the Upper and Lower viewing platforms is daily from 9.00 to 20.00, and on Saturday - until 23.00. Accepts its guests' park all year round.
Guest experience
Приезжие туристы, местные жители, посетившие Alexandria Park, the reviews leave very positive. A huge well-groomed area, beautiful landscapes, a lot of greenery: trees, shrubs and flower beds; unique palaces, sculptures installed on the territory, bridges, fountains.
The only thing that upsets the visiting guests ishigh prices for entrance tickets, but despite this, the number of people wishing to learn more about the historical and cultural heritage of their native land is very large.
