The Chapel At Catherine’s Palace
The Chapel is one of the premier attractions on the ground, built in the northern wing of the estate. The five golden domes of the chapel arc over the northern wing of the palace. Originally, more than 200 pounds of gold were used to cover the exterior façade but now it has been replaced with gold paint.
The Famous Amber Room
The Amber Room is the crux of much mystery, speculation and wonder. It is the most famous part of Catherine’s Palace and is the subject of many controversial claims and conspiracy theories. Originally, the room, which was a study, was covered with panels made out of more than 100,000 beautifully fitted amber pieces. Peter the Great had received the panels from the Prussian King Frederick William as a gift. During the Second World War, the Nazi forces took the panels down and carried them back to Germany. Since then, the amber panels have never been found, and they are the subject of much speculation. In an attempt to recreate the lost glory of the Amber Room, artists in Russia set to work by recreating the panels. Ancient techniques dating back to the time of the true panels were used. This endeavor began in the early 1980s, and the reconstructed room was opened to visitors in the year 2003.
The Green Dining Room At Catherine’s Palace
The Green Dining Room at the palace has been built using elements of Roman themes, with decorative motifs finding prominence.
Spend Time at the Hermitage Pavilion
The gardens of Catherine’s Palace boast of two grand pavilions, one of which is the Hermitage Pavilion. The pavilion was built with the aim of providing a place for some solitary time and quietude for the royals visiting Catherine’s Palace. The pavilion was built by Rastrelli to resemble a miniature palace in itself. One of the most notable features of the pavilion is that it had provisions made for dining tables laden with meals to be raised into the Central Hall situated on the upper floor. The floors would be opened and the tables would be ‘sent up’, already piled with food and dishes.
Visiting Catherine’s Palace
Visitors can plan a trip between 10 am and 5 pm everyday. Catherine’s Palace is open all through the week, except for Tuesdays. The palace also remains close to visitors on the fourth Monday of every month.