The Pavlovsk palace and the park ensemble were created at the end of XVIII century as the official summer residence of the Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich, (son of Catherine II) and his wife Maria Feodorovna. Catherine II presented these lands to Pavel in 1777, on the occasion of the birth of his first-born son Alexander. A Scottish architect Charles Cameron designed the Palace, which was erected in 1780-1786.  Pavel rarely visited Pavlovsk, as he preferred his Gatchina residence and soon presented it to his wife Maria Feodorovna.

The young Grand Duchess created the park and palace ensemble according to her own exquisite taste. Even today, when visiting the palace, tourists can feel the atmosphere of the old days: all of the rooms are prettily and tastefully decorated with elegant furniture, adorned with sculptures and paintings, bought by Maria Feodorovna or created by her own hand.

Another tireless concern of the Grand Duchess was the maintenance of the park. Maria Feodorovna discussed the layout of flowerbeds with the gardeners, and all plants, trees and shrubs had to undergo her surveillance. She especially loved trees with beautiful foliage, and her favorite flower was the rose. She brought various sorts of roses from all European countries she visited. In her caring hands the garden turned into a blossoming oasis of rare bushes and flowers.

A tour of the Pavlovsk Palace and the park will leave your with a feeling of romance, love and warmth.