Russian diary- Tsarskoe Selo.

One of the places I really wanted to visit while staying in St. Petersburg was Tsarskoe Selo. I spent so much time there with my parents, and after becoming a parent I spent time there with my kids. But this was the first time when I was able to see the Amber room, one of the wonders of Catherine Place.

The palaces and parks at Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar Village) were established as a country retreat by Catherine I, in 1717. Originally a modest two story building, later it was completely redesigned on a scale to rival Versailles. The resultant palace, completed in 1756 is nearly 1 km in circumference, with elaborately decorated facades and interiors which are no less spectacular.

The landscaped gardens, created in the late 18^th century, were the first of their kind in Russia.

During World War II, Tsarskoe Selo suffered extensive damage. 

The view of the Palace after Nazi occupation.

The Amber room was dismantled by Nazis and to date, its fate is unknown. The original Amber room was decorated with amber mosaics panels, surrounded with gilded carving, mirrors, Florentine mosaics and further mosaics of Ural and Caucasus gemstones.

The recreation of Amber room took over 20 years, the restored room is a truly unique monument, and a testament to the painstaking care of the craftsmen who worked on it. Unfortunately photography is not allowed in the room. These, found on Google, give you an idea of its grandeur.

You may see more pictures here.