Priory Palace in Gatchina - how to get there?

Priory Palace in Gatchina is a unique building, the only remaining in the country earth-scaffolding structure. Created for the Order of Malta, it has been a real gem of architecture for more than two centuries and a true symbol of Gatchina. Of interest is the technology of its creation, and the circumstances under which construction was conducted, and the legends surrounding the palace. Today it hosts fascinating excursions. Let's find out what the history of the palace is, how to get to it now.

The exterior of the palace

The castle was erected in a style typical for Russian architecture of that time. The exterior looks like a Catholic medieval monastery. This is facilitated by a tower that resembles a bell tower, and a general composition with a courtyard and a characteristic fence. The interior of the castle, as it is supposed to be a holy monastery, is very ascetic. And this applies not only to the style in which the walls and towers are built, but also a fairly simple color solution - white rooms and red roofs.

However, by the time of construction the palace looked more solemn. The gilding of weathercocks and silvery pudost stone, red-brown paths and snow-white walls, black pillars along the fence. There is an opinion that the white and red raincoats of the Knights of Malta, as well as the black cassocks of the monks, inspired this color scheme of the architect.

The highlight of the Gatchina Palace is that it looks different from different sides, without repeating at all.

So, from the south it is similar to the Gothic chapel, and its northern part seems to grow out of the water. If you look at the castle from the side of the lake, you get the impression that it was erected on the island. Due to this a peculiar parallel with Malta is conducted. The retaining wall makes it look like a fortress, and from the main entrance the Priory Palace looks like a country estate. However, the castle looks surprisingly whole. The bright originality and emphasized asymmetry of the structure were noted by all the scientists investigating it.

Architectural features

Although the Priory Palace is not as splendid as many other castles located in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, this does not diminish its significance. It is largely due to the uniqueness of the building. The fact is that this is the only building left in the country, created with the help of earth-scraping technology. This means that layers of loam, densely pressed, were impregnated with a solution of lime. So the walls of the palace and the fence were built, as well as some buildings located at the building.

The uniqueness of the castle lies in the fact that, being built from the earth, it managed to stand for almost two hundred years without needing reconstruction. And now it continues to look impressive, speaking proudly against the background of the Black Lake. By the way, because of the technology of construction, the castle received another name - Earth.

Prehistory of the Palace

The history of the Priory Palace dates back more than two centuries. It was created in 1799 specifically for the Order of Malta. Rather, for the French Prince Conde, who was the Prior of the Order.

The history of the palace is closely intertwined with the events that took place in Europe in the XVIII century. The French Revolution proved destructive to the Order. In the course of it, he lost most of the land. The Russian Empire has long maintained close and friendly relations with Malta.

Therefore, the knights asked for help from Paul I, who had recently ascended to the throne. In response, the emperor approved the "great priory" of the Order of Malta in the state. This happened in 1797. According to the convention, the Vorontsov Palace, located in the capital , was transferred to the order. In addition, Paul I ordered to build a castle in Gatchina for Prince Conde, who was then in exile.

The construction of the palace

The architect of the Priory Palace is Nikolai Lvov. He excellently showed himself not only in this field, but on many others, for example, he was an excellent poet, a musician. Lvov had many talents. Therefore, during his lifetime, he was nicknamed the Russian Leonardo da Vinci. The memory of this amazing man is still alive.

He was commissioned to erect a palace for the Order. Nikolai Lvov has prepared several projects, and even before the construction began he built several structures using the same technology, which subsequently created the palace. The architect's plan was stylistically similar to the medieval Swiss castles, but in no case copied them. Construction began in 1797. The palace was erected extremely quickly. Two years after the start of construction, it completed the finishing work and completed the furnishing. In the summer of 1799, the Supreme Palace and its transfer to the Order took place. At the same time, Paul I as Grand Master was also the owner of the castle.

The future of the palace

Later - during the reign of Emperor Alexander I - Priory Palace was transferred to the treasury. Then it was almost never used. In the twenties of the XIX century the palace played the role of a Lutheran church. By the end of the century, it was significantly reconstructed. The castle was equipped with water and sewerage, strengthened the building and adapted it for the simultaneous residence of fifty people. Thus, it became possible to provide premises for courtiers to live.

Priory in the twentieth century

Since the beginning of the last century, excursions have begun in the castle. During the First World War, the Priory Palace in Gatchina served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Later here were located recreation centers. During the Second World War, he miraculously survived, although some of his buildings were completely destroyed.

In the second half of the century it housed the House of Pioneers first, and then - the Museum of Local Lore. Prioratsky Palace began to restore in the 80's. Restoration lasted about twenty years, and in 2004 the castle opened its gates for excursions.

Legends and interesting facts

About the Priory Palace, the most incredible legends go. In one of them, for example, there is a secret underground passage. According to legend, he connects the castle with the Gatchina Imperial Palace. It is difficult to say if this is the case, but it should be mentioned that in the process of strengthening the foundation, such a move was indeed discovered. It is laid out with a stone and, reaching at first a height of almost two meters, gradually decreases. But until the end of this move and was not passed, so the destination could not be determined.

An interesting feature of the palace is that it was built actually on the swamp. This he owes to one event that happened during the design. The matter is that during the construction of the creator of the castle, Nikolai Lvov did not communicate directly with the emperor, but with one of his associates - the prosecutor-general Obolyaninov. He rejected several proposals of the architect concerning the construction site. Then Lvov suggested that Obolyaninov personally choose the site on which the palace will be built.

The Prosecutor General pointed to a swamp near the Black Lake, perhaps the most unattractive and inappropriate place for this purpose. And the architect agreed to this condition. True, the construction had to spend much more energy and money. So, it was required to lay ditches and dry the swamp. And on the hill, formed from the excavated land, and the Gatchina Priory Palace was built.

Palace in art

The unusual beauty of the castle has long attracted painters. Inspired by stunning views of the palace, artists sought to display on their canvases. In many respects the love for this castle was explained by its already mentioned feature - from different angles it looks completely different.

The Priory Palace is depicted in the paintings of MV Dobuzhinsky, TG Shevchenko and other painters, poets wrote poems about him.

Palace today

Today the castle looks the same as two hundred years ago. During the reconstruction, its original appearance was restored. At the moment, fascinating excursions are taking place here, where they acquaint you with the history of the building. And the most interesting exhibit is the Priory Palace itself. How to get to the castle is known not only to the inhabitants of St. Petersburg, but also far beyond its borders.

In addition, the palace revived the old traditions. One of them is regular concert evenings in the chapel. Excellent acoustics, a bright spacious hall and a brilliant performance attract many music connoisseurs and not only here. Also in the chapel of the castle are various ceremonial events, meetings, poetry evenings and concerts, conferences.

How to get to the palace?

More and more visitors are attracted to their walls Priory Palace in Gatchina. How to get to the castle and admire this pearl of architecture? From St. Petersburg to Gatchina can be reached by train, as well as by train. The journey will take no more than an hour and a half. In addition, to get to Gatchina, you can take a shuttle bus.

Once in the city, you can ask any of the residents where Priory Palace is located. Address: Chkalov Street, Prioratsky Park, State Museum-Reserve "Gatchina". And to reach the castle itself, you can also walk, at the same time enjoying the incredible views around.

Excursions in the palace

At the moment, interesting excursions are held in the palace. Visitors are told about the history of the Order of Malta and the castle itself. In addition, you can learn a lot about the earthquake engineering of construction, as well as get acquainted with the personality of architect Nikolai Lvov.

The museum is open to visitors daily, except on the first Tuesday of every month. The entrance to Prioratsky Park is free. By the way, this green zone was created also in the end of the XVIII century, to emphasize the beauty of the castle. Later, many picturesque walking paths, artificial lakes and islets were broken here. The park has long been a favorite holiday destination for both local residents and residents of St. Petersburg. Priory Palace in Gatchina, the cost of visiting which will be from 60 to 120 rubles, will give a truly unforgettable experience. And you will want to come back here again and again.

Time here flows quite differently, in the spirit of a medieval monastery. Visiting the palace towers, pavilions and gardens, you can truly experience the unforgettable atmosphere of the knight's castle.