This excursion will begin on the bus, where the guide will tell you about the history of the region and the features of the construction of Gatchina Palace, its English style and chivalrous spirit.
Once in Gatchina, you will discover the palace and its priceless treasures, which gave it the nichname "the suburban Hermitage". More than 40 halls and the famous underground passage are open for inspection.
The second part of the tour will be a visit of the mezzanine floor of the Arsenal square. On March 27th, 1881 Gatchina became the main imperial residence and Tzar Alexander III settled with his family in the palace, living in the mezzanine floor of the Arsenal square. In contrast to the lavish interiors of the front rooms, these low, small rooms have always been a surprise to contemporaries. But it was here that the imperial family felt most comfortable and cozy, because the whole apartment had an atmosphere which was fitting for their taste.
Among these apartments was the office of Alexander III, where he was engaged in public affairs and where there representatives of the ruling houses of Europe, the most famous politicians, scientists and artists met the imperial family. In 2007 the restoration of the historical layout of part of the rooms of the imperial family has been completed and a permanent exhibition has been opened.
Visit to the Gatchina castle-palace
