Located at a distance of 45 kilometres from St Petersburg, Gatchina Palace is probably the most lived-in mansion amongst all the palaces in St Petersburg. Catherine the Great bought the village and grounds for Count Grigoriy Orlov who then appointed Antonio Rinaldi to design the palace. During the Revolution and Civil War, Gatchina was the site of two major events - the final fall of Kerensky's Provisional Government in 1917, and Trotsky's defeat of the final advance of the White Army from Estonia in July 1919.

The palace is decorated tastefully with artworks from many renowned artistes adorning the walls. There is also a good collection of old guns and weapons on exhibition. The surrounding parks are gorgeous and have lakes and ponds scattered everywhere.

• For guided tours call +7 (812) 958 0366

• Child admission- 120 Rubels

• From Metro station "Moskovskaya" minibuses 18, 18a.

• Slavyanskiy Dvor
• Dakar
• Robinzon

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