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THE MARCH OF TIME
The Northern Capital has had an amazing 300 year history.
From the first primitive town buildings of the Petrine period, through the magnificent palaces of Catherine the Great,
you will learn how the city developed in the epoch of rule by the emperors of the Romanov dynasty, through the period of stormy of revolution.
You will become familiarised with the heroism of Leningrad, the Second World War, without putting on one side new tourist attractions
coming to St. Petersburg as the modern-day European capital of business and the cultural and intellectual centre of Russia.
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PETERHOF
Our company invites you to visit the most beautiful suburb of St. Peterburg - Peterhoff, known the world over for its wonderful palaces and amazing fountains.
The palace is unique as a series of parks created according to the wishes of the Emperor Peter I - the Great,
who wished one of his out-of-town residences to be the most delightful in the world.
Nature itself helped in the creation of Peterhoff and the realization of its ambitious plans - the physical contours of this place are unique.
Not only do the harmonious surroundings lend themselves to the siting of the entire architectural assembly on the edge of the Finnish Gulf
and the setting out of a picturesque park, but also for organising the water supply for the grandiose fountains of the complex without building a pumping station.
Construction work began in 1714 under the personal supervision of Peter himself and already,
by 1723 the cultural opening of the residence and the main fountains.
Further progress towards completion of the assembly was made under the patronage of the Empress Anna Joannova
and under the direction of many talented architects - M.G. Zemtsov, A. I. Schtakenshnieder, N. Miketti, F. Rastrelli.
In the course of your excursion, you will become familiar with the Greater Peterhoff Palace,
derive great pleasure from the luxurious appointment of the interior, take a walk along the wide alleys of the Upper and Lower parks,
delight in the grandiose fountains of the main cascade, visit the Hermitage, Marly and Monplaisir palaces
and fall in love with the great panorama of the Finnish Gulf.
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THE KONSTANTINOVA PALACES
The Konstantinova Palaces and park form one of the most picturesque suburbs in St. Petersburg – their building began,
thanks to the ambitious plans of the Russian Emperor Peter I, and his wish to build something that compared to the beauty
and grandeur of the world-famous Versailles. Work was first begun in 1725, under the supervision of the French architect,
Jacques Leblond. However, for many historical reasons, the dreams of the Tsar-reformer have still not been fully realized by the 21st. century.
The entire period of the palace’s existence has seen many different owners. Amongst them are the Empresses Elizabeth
and Catherine the Great and the descendents of Paul I’s son - a whole galaxy of great princes. Many architects and many
epochs have witnessed the creation of this out-of-town residence. The more famous are Niccola Miketti, Voronichin,
F.B. Rastrelli. L Russka and A. Schtakenshneider.
However, the brilliant creation was not fortunate enough to survive the revolution and the ravages of war, and by the end of the 20th.
Century the unique architectural assembly looked more like a heap of stone rubble.
Now, in the new millennium, after unprecedented mass reconstruction, Konstantinova Palace and park has not only been rebuilt from
a ruin to its original glory, but now enjoys a new status as a venue for Presidential congresses, the official residence of President Putin,
and a new symbol of the power of the Russian state.
At the time of the celebrations of the 300th. Anniversary of the city, Konstantinova Palace became the centre of the main celebrations,
and more than 50 delegations from from the main countries in the world assembled in its grounds. Here, international negotiations
at the highest level take place constantly, with participants such as George Bush, Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, and the leaders of a whole host of nations.
Paul Macartney spent some of his time here on his visit to St. Petersburg. At the present time, it can be said with some certainty,
that Konstantinova Palace and its environs have become a favoured place for both work and recreation by the world elite.
BUT, not only heads of government, famous political figures and those with royal blood may come here as guests. Clients of our tourist
firm may also stay here. They need only to make a request for an excursion.
The Presidential Palace of Congresses is pleased to open the doors of its general entrance at any suitable moment.
You are certain to enjoy your walk under the wing of our highly professional guide, explaining in detail all the interesting historical facts
of the palace and park, and the present-day part of this unique complex. You will be staggered by the refinement of the internal surroundings,
famous all over the world. You may visit the Blue, Marble and Trojan Halls.
Fall in love with the stunning panorama of the Finnish Gulf from the Summer Terrace, slip into the secret grottos, pass away some time
in the Grand Landscape and Regular Parks, with their unique system of water features.
Also awaiting you are the world-famous cellars of Konstantinova Palace. They house a unique collection of the finest wines in the world,
worthy to be assessed by President Vladimir Putin, who has visited here many times with the heads of state of many countries.
You will hear not only about the history and hard work of vineyards the world over, but you can actually sample these wonderful wines,
including the famous Tokay wine Acu, the favourite wine of Louis XIV, which is becoming more and more rare and expensive.
Furthermore, you may take away any example from the palace’s collection, including a unique example of analogous wines, brought as presents to the President.
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