Pushkin and Pavlovsk Tourist Map

Description:
This map shows points of interest, tourist attractions and sightseeings in Pushkin and Pavlovsk (Saint Petersburg).

About Pushkin and Pavlovsk

Pushkin (formerly known as Tsarskoye Selo) and Pavlovsk are two historically significant cities located approximately 25 kilometers south of St. Petersburg, Russia. Both cities developed around imperial summer residences and today serve as major tourist destinations, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Pushkin, renamed in 1937 to honor the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, is home to the magnificent Catherine Palace, an 18th-century Rococo palace commissioned by Empress Elizabeth and later expanded by Catherine the Great. The palace's most famous feature is the legendary Amber Room, a chamber decorated with amber panels, which was looted during World War II and reconstructed in 2003. The palace is surrounded by the extensive Catherine Park, which combines formal French gardens and English landscape designs.

The city also houses the Alexander Palace, a neoclassical residence that served as the primary home of the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family. The palace complex includes the Lyceum, where Alexander Pushkin received his education. During World War II, Pushkin suffered severe damage under Nazi occupation, but most historic buildings have been meticulously restored.

Pavlovsk, located just four kilometers from Pushkin, was developed around the Pavlovsk Palace, built in 1782 for Emperor Paul I and his wife Maria Feodorovna. The palace represents a unique blend of neoclassical architecture and personal touches added by its imperial residents. The surrounding Pavlovsk Park, covering 600 hectares, is considered one of the finest landscape parks in Europe, featuring classical pavilions, bridges, and sculptures integrated into natural landscapes.

Both cities maintain their historical significance through numerous museums and cultural institutions. They are connected to St. Petersburg by regular train service and serve as popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists. The cities played crucial roles in Russian cultural history, hosting numerous poets, artists, and musicians throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Pushkin has a population of approximately 100,000 people, while Pavlovsk is home to about 25,000 residents.

The preservation efforts in both cities continue, with ongoing restoration projects and archaeological research. The palaces and parks remain open to visitors year-round, offering guided tours in multiple languages and hosting various cultural events and exhibitions. During the summer months, the cities become particularly popular due to their famous white nights and various festivals celebrating Russian history and culture.