Konstantinovsky Palace is an architectural monument of the 18th century. The complex is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. It is a palace and park ensemble.
General information
The complex is located in Strelna. Since 2003, it has been given a new name. It became a state complex, which is called the "Palace of Congresses". The architectural ensemble is located on the rivers Kikenka and Strelka. From the center of St. Petersburg to the ensemble - only 19 kilometers.
Historical information. Emergence
Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna was built in the XVIII-XIX centuries. The Russian imperial family owned the estate until 1917. Peter the Great was its first owner. By the end of the 18th century, this place had turned into private grand-ducal possessions. Later Paul I gave the estate to his second son. The Grand Duke gave her a name that the park and the Grand Konstantinovsky Palace have preserved to this day.
Further development
Peter I looked after quitefor a long time. According to his plan, it was supposed to surpass the famous Versailles. This decision was made by the monarch in 1709. Later, a project was considered, which was compiled by the Roman architect Sebastian Cipriani. However, it turned out to be quite difficult to implement. Further, agreements were signed with two famous architects. One of them was the French master J.-B. Leblon and the other by Bartolomeo Carlo Rastrelli. The first one won the competition for the right to implement the project. However, Leblon soon died. The design was entrusted to the architect Nicolo Michetti. The Konstantinovsky Palace became the main part of the whole complex. It was laid out according to the design of the architect.
Difficulties occur
The goal of the entire project was to surpass all European palace and park ensembles. To do this, it was necessary to establish a round-the-clock functioning of fountains and supporting mechanisms. They had to work continuously for several months. At the same time, it was necessary to maintain an appropriate water level in the storage tank. All of a sudden there were a lot of related problems. Because of them, the question arose about the advisability of building a residence in Strelna. The uninterrupted functioning of the fountains required a corresponding rise in water. This mark was about ten meters above sea level. Such a decision would inevitably lead to the flooding of the basins of two rivers - Kikenka and Strelka. Also in danger were the territories surrounding them, which were located south of the Peterhof road. Gener althe area of flooding could be truly huge. Special hydraulic structures could solve this problem. However, their cost was too high. In addition, the continuation of the work was simply inappropriate. To the west of Strelna was an ideal landscape, created by nature itself and capable of providing a round-the-clock supply of water. The talented hydraulic engineer B. Munnich had to do a colossal job. He managed to prove the impossibility of fulfilling the royal plan in this place with the help of his calculations. As a result, the engineer had to go against the will of the monarch. Construction was moved to Peterhof. Only after the death of Paul 1 all work here finally stopped.
Construction in the second half of the 18th century
The architect Rastrelli became responsible for the reconstruction of the ensemble in 1750. The palace was remodeled. The eastern wing acquired a large front staircase. However, the construction work has not been completed. By the end of the century, the estate finally ceased to be considered imperial possessions. Just at that time, Konstantin Pavlovich (son of Pavel 1) became its owner.
Functioning in the 19th century
Later, the interiors of the palace were redone again. The interiors were decorated in antique style. After the fire that occurred in 1803, L. Ruska and Voronikhin began to work on the decor of the ensemble. Belvedere superstructure was made. The parade enfilade appeared in the mezzanine. The complex boasted rich picturesque decoration. Perits creation was responsible for the masters J. Ferrari and F. A. Shcherbakov. The next reconstruction was carried out already by decree of the new owner. Konstantin Nikolaevich invited other masters - A. I. Stackenschneider and H. F. Meyer. Facades have acquired balconies and bay windows. The decoration of private quarters belonged to the eclectic style. The house church was arranged right in the palace. Later, only the family of Konstantin Konstantinovich lived here. As a rule, she stayed here for the summer and autumn periods. The actual owner of the ensemble was Dmitry Konstantinovich, Konstantin's brother. The personal apartments belonging to the Greek queen were also located in this palace. Olga Konstantinovna lived here after the death of her husband.
The fate of the complex in the XX century
The first Strelna school-colony was placed in the palace after the end of the October Revolution. Later, a sanatorium was opened here. Then there were organized courses to improve the skills of the Navy. During the Second World War, the Konstantinovsky Palace was practically destroyed. All that remains of the building of the ensemble is a stone frame. Later, the palace was partially restored. It housed naval departments, radio engineering and geophysical departments, libraries of the Arctic School. Later, the last institution was closed. In the 90s, the complex actually turned into an ownerless building. The palace was on the verge of destruction.
Reconstruction work
Later, the palace came under the care of the Office of the President. The complex included a palace andthe territory surrounding it. Its area totaled about one hundred and forty hectares. After that, large-scale construction and reconstruction works started here. This was largely facilitated by old drawings. With the help of them, the interiors of the palace and its facades were restored. The canal system and the park were also reconstructed. The main task of the construction was to ensure state-level receptions. With the help of the efforts of hydraulic engineers, the channels of reservoirs were deepened. Now it was possible to receive river vessels and yachts. Fountains and bridges began to function. Previously, they existed only in projects. The complex was equipped with three drawbridges. The fountains that appeared in the park were designed by the Emperor himself.
Creating a "consular village"
It was built near the palace. The village is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It consists of twenty two-storey cottages. A hotel called "B altic Star" was opened. It is a five-star hotel complex, which is stylized as an old Russian estate. The building of the former yacht club has turned into a modern press center. It is equipped with satellite communications. The administrative building of the complex is located on the site of the former royal stables. In 2003, the grand opening of the palace took place. There is a tour desk on the territory of the complex. It was built in 2006.
Konstantinovsky Palace. Tours
The revived plan of the great Peter
It is assumed for touristsinspection of the living rooms and ceremonial halls of the Konstantinovsky Palace. Participants of the event will find a fascinating story about the history of the creation of the complex. On the tour you can learn about the life of the owners of the ensemble, about the period of destruction and decline, about large-scale construction and reconstruction works. Information about the modern realities of the "Palace of Congresses" will also be provided. A group of up to fifteen people is being recruited. The total cost of the ticket is from three hundred rubles. Benefits available.
The current century and the past century
Inspection of the enfilade of living rooms and state rooms of the Konstantinovsky Palace is supposed. The tour will also show the official apartments of the President. Meeting rooms will be visited in an informal setting. Tour participants will be able to get a complete picture of the history of the complex and learn a lot about its modern functioning. A group of up to fifteen people is being recruited. The total cost of the ticket is from three hundred and thirty rubles. No benefits.
Masterpieces of the Konstantinovsky Palace
Inspection of selected and most valuable works of Russian painting is supposed. The participants of the tour will be able to learn a lot about objects of decorative and applied arts and graphics. They were collected by M. L. Rostropovich and G. P. Vishnevskaya. Guests will be able to see the main architectural masterpieces of the complex, namely, its majestic halls. A group of up to fifteen people is being recruited. The total ticket price is from three hundred and fiftyrubles. No benefits.
Secrets that St. Petersburg keeps
Konstantinovsky Palace is a repository of selected items that were discovered during the reconstruction of the Naryshkins' estate. This happened in 2012 on Tchaikovsky Street. Items found in the mansion are called the "treasure of the century". He is truly unique. More than two thousand silver items were found, which were made at the end of the 19th century by some of the best jewelers of the most famous firms in Russia and Europe. The treasure includes the following items:
- Cookware sets. Almost complete sets.
- Insignia and awards. Perfectly preserved.
- Various decorations.
- Objects of arts and crafts.
- Tea and dinner sets.
A group of up to fifteen people is being recruited. The total cost of the ticket is from three hundred and fifty rubles. No benefits.
Quest game "Find the treasure"
This event will be interesting for both children and parents. The group will have to search for "imperial treasures". All participants of the game will be acquainted with the history of the complex. Also, the guide will tell you about the modern functioning of the "Palace of Congresses". The plots of wall panels and murals are encrypted. They are something to be solved by treasure hunters and trackers. For example, you will need to solve a crossword puzzle on a topic related to the life of ancient heroes and gods. Participants will have to complete many interesting tasks. Each participant will be able to demonstrate the abilitywork in a team, speed of reaction and ingenuity. A group of up to ten people is being recruited. The tour lasts an hour and a half. Visitors can also buy individual tickets at the box office. The Konstantinovsky Palace, whose working hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open on all days except Wednesday.
Additional services
One of the most important events in life is a wedding. The Konstantinovsky Palace has all the conditions for a wedding ceremony. Newlyweds can choose a banquet hall by ordering almost any design. If few guests are expected at the wedding, then you can consider the option of holding it in one of the elite cottages located on the territory of the architectural ensemble. In addition to the main ones, an additional range of services is offered. In particular, you can order a cake, filming, rent transport.
Arrow. Konstantinovsky Palace. How to get to the complex
The architectural ensemble is located along the Peterhof road. The fastest way to get there is by bus. You need to sit at st. m. "Avtovo" on any route to Peterhof. They all pass by the village where the Konstantinovsky Palace is located. Address of the complex: Berezovaya al., 3. You can also get to the complex from the station. metro stations "B altiyskaya" (route 404), "Prospect Veteranov" (No. 392, 850, 343), "Leninsky Prospect" (No. 420 and 103). Also on st. m. "Avtovo" you can take tram number 36. The final stop of this route is in the village where the Konstantinovsky Palace is located. How to get thereback, you can ask the driver.
