Catherine Palace, about 20 km from the city, was one of the royal summer residences. Come to this luxurious place which was called “the jewelry piece” by contemporaries who saw it for the first time. Elizabeth, Peter the Great’s daughter, loved luxury and always tried to get the best. Her palace will try to overwhelm you with wealth and elegance. Elizabeth loved balls and masquerades. Find out more about the 18 century dances; imagine coming to a ball there dressed in the traditional XVIII century clothes. The ballroom is the biggest hall in all palaces outside of Saint Petersburg. See why the place in nicknamed the light gallery. Try to guess which doors are real ones and which are only mirrors that reflect candlelight and make the space look larger. Look at your own reflection in the endless gallery but be careful. They say if you look too long, you may see your future there. The unique baroque style palace was restored after World War II which is a miracle. Enjoy the charm of the Amber Room- the most expensive art treasure which was ever stolen, never found again and restored only recently.
The main palace’s attraction is the world famous Amber room which is a part of the Golden enfilade of the rooms, but The Great Hall comes first among the most beautiful rooms to have been painstakingly restored since WWII. It is 154 feet long and 59 feet wide. For receptions and balls it was formerly lit by 696 candles in huge candelabras; mirrors in gilt frames with arabesque carvings are hung between the windows along the full extent of the two long sides.The considerable effect created by the sheer size of the room is dramatically increased by the painting ceiling, “Russia’s Triumph,” which gives an illusion of unusual height. Painted from a sketch by an Italian GuiseppiValeriani, it is a series of allegories glorifying Russia’s military success and achievements in sciences and arts.The other beautiful rooms are Picture Gallery, Blue Drawing Room, The Blue Chinese Room, and recently restored Palace Church.