On our second day in St. Petersburg (June 11, 2011) we chose a tour that went to Catherine & Peterhof Palaces. The first palace we went to was Catherine's. According to the brochure, it was designed by Rastrelli, and was built as a summer residence for Catherine I. The Palace also includes over 1400 acres of manicured gardens.
Catherine's Palace
The gates leading to the palace
section of the gate surrounding the palace
This band played outside the entrance to the palace. They were pretty entertaining while we waited in line.
Of course they even had CD's to sell after their performance.
The booties we had to wear over our shoes to protect the floors.
They were kind of fun, made everything slippery.
A ceiling
the ceiling/wall in one of the stairwells
Some unique wall treatments.
One of my favorite walls in the palace.
They really seemed to like using gold in their decor.
Another Ceiling
A few of the many dinner settings on display in the palace
One of the dresses worn by Catherine the Great
interesting fireplace in the background behind the dress.
A few pictures from the palace grounds
I think it would be fun to wondering around in these gardens for a while. We were hurried along with our tour group but what we saw of them was nice.
I think this looks like a good spot to sit with a book on a nice day.
The second palace on our tour was Peterhof Palace.
From the brochure "Built to rival Versailles and sits atop a hill overlooking the Gulf of Finland"
Peter the Great drafted the layout for the awe-inspiring 300-acre park and supervised the design of the palace fountains. Including the Grand Cascade my favorite on the grounds.
Peterhof's Palace
They are slowly restoring all the gold trim on the palace.
This is a picture of some of the restored gold.
It's really shiny compared to the older tarnished sections
Once again - people in costume asking for money to have your picture taken with them.
Seems to be a popular thing in the tourist areas
Grounds at Peterhof Palace
They didn't allow cameras in this palace so I just got some pictures of the grounds
Amazing fountains
The grand cascade features Samson prying open the lion's jaws.
One of my favorite pictures from this trip.
The palace and fountain
Our lunch and entertainment
Once again lunch started with Vodka and Cavier. (Yuck!)
They really liked to push Vodka there
Random buildings around St. Petersberg
one of several bridges connecting the city
Not sure I'd want to travel on these trains regularly
Seemed a bit run down and not well maintained. They were definately crowded though.
Working for a billboard company and ruined me.
I notice billboards now whereever I go.
Thought I'd throw a few pictures in.
It was so weird to have it this light after 10pm
On deck after 10 pm
After 10 pm on deck
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