Gatchina is the capital of the Leningrad Region. The city is located eight kilometers from St. Petersburg, in a southwestern direction.
Historical background
For the first time the village of Khotchino is mentioned in the annals of 1500. At the beginning of the 17th century, this territory was transferred to Sweden. After the end of the Northern War, the lands again pass to the Russian state.
In 1765 Empress Catherine II presented Gatchina as a gift to Count Orlov. It was he who became the owner of the Gatchina Palace, built in the style of Italian medieval castles.
After the death of Count Orlov, it became the property of Paul I, who gave the estate the status of a city.
At the end of the 18th century, the Priory Palace appeared here. At that time, it became the only building in Russia, the construction of which used earth-breaking technology. The palace became the residence of the Order of M alta.
Innovation
After the death of Paul I, the ruling emperors owned the city. The modern capital of the Leningrad region at that time was a place for the introductioninnovative technologies.
It was in Gatchina that a railway was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The capital of the Leningrad region became a test site for a submarine, a military airfield appeared here, and for the first time electric lights in Russia were lit in Gatchina.
The capital of the Leningrad region was captured by the Nazis during the Great Patriotic War. The Gatchina Palace and many other historical buildings were destroyed during the fighting, so restoration work began in the post-war period.
The capital of the Leningrad region in 1985 receives the first visitors in an updated form, demonstrating all the splendor of a country residence. In 2015, Gatchina was given the status of a city of military glory, which the residents are rightfully proud of.
Attractions
What is the cultural capital of the republic famous for? The Leningrad region is represented by many interesting places, but Gatchina occupies a special place.
The central attraction of the city is the Great Gatchina Palace, as well as parks that are included in the palace complex. They house the "birch house", the pavilions of Venus. The city is also proud of the Priory Palace, a park located around Black Lake. Of particular interest is the Gatchina park. It will take at least a week to fully explore this area.
The structure of the Gatchina Palace resembles a huge European castle. Impressive ditches, a huge parade ground where the emperor received parades,restored to their original glory.
For hours Pavel 1 watched the soldiers march. The emperor was not indifferent to Prussia, whose soldiers joined the Russian army.
Inside the palace there is a huge number of halls magnificent in their decoration. Silver, gold, expensive wood parquet, paintings, stucco, a collection of weapons are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
The famous Gatchina trout, which was once on the imperial table, can still be caught today in the palace river Paritsa. Swans swim in the White Lake in summer, there are crucian carp, pike and even roach.
Gatchina park also has its own underground passage through which you can get to the spare castle. It is located two kilometers from the palace, in the Priory Park. In the palace, located on this territory, Pavel 1 once presided over, gathering the knights of the Order of M alta.
The Arrow of the Constable is considered the basis of the Gatchina landscape, the height of which reaches 232 meters.
It becomes clear which capital of the Leningrad region is rich in numerous architectural monuments of the 18th-20th centuries.
Holy places
Currently, active temples and cathedrals are located on the territory of Gatchina. It is here that there is the Cathedral of the Holy Apostle Paul, the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Intercession Cathedral, the Church of the Most Holy Life-Giving Trinity.
In addition to Orthodox churches, churches of other confessions also function on the territory of Gatchina: the Lutheran Church of St. Evangelical Church of St. Nicholas. Masses are also held in the Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In addition to the palace ensembles, in this amazing city, tourists can visit the Museum of the History of Gatchina. Of interest is the museum-estate of P. E. Shcherbov, who is fond of caricatures. Interesting expositions are offered by the Museum of the History of Aviation Engine Building, the Museum of Naval Glory, the Children's Postcard Museum.
Modernity
How is the Leningrad region currently living? Cities and districts located near the northern capital are increasingly attracting the attention of potential property buyers. At present, such an area as Gatchina is a combination of old "Khrushchev" at the entrance, new buildings in the center. The Aerodrome area of the city is in high demand, it is convenient to go to the highway from it. Local residents often work in St. Petersburg, but prefer to live in such a cozy city as Gatchina.
Conclusion
In addition to historical monuments, new buildings, there are wooden buildings in this city. Most of them are in a deplorable state, in need of demolition. Recently, interest in Gatchina has grown, the number of tourists has increased, and the construction of new buildings has intensified. This was reflected in the value of real estate in the area.
Over the past few years, the price per square meter has increased several times. What makes the residents of St. Petersburg sell their apartments in the city and buy real estate in Gatchina? unique nature,picturesque places, environmental friendliness of the area made it popular and attractive for nature lovers.
