The Priory Palace in Gatchina is a unique building, the only earthwork structure left in the country. Created for the Order of M alta, it has been a true gem of architecture and a true symbol of Gatchina for more than two centuries. Of interest is the technology of its creation, and the circumstances under which construction was carried out, and the legends surrounding the palace. Today it hosts exciting excursions. Let's find out what the history of the palace is, how to get to it now.
External appearance of the palace
The castle was built in the style characteristic of Russian architecture of that time. Outwardly, it resembles a Catholic medieval monastery. This is facilitated by the tower, resembling a bell tower, and the overall composition with a patio and a characteristic fence. The interior of the castle, as befits a holy monastery, is very ascetic. And this applies not only to the style in which the walls and towers are built, but also to a rather simple color scheme - white rooms and red roofs.
However, by the time of construction, the palace looked more solemn. Gilding weathercocksand a silver pudost stone, red-brown paths and snow-white walls, black pillars along the fence. It is believed that the white and red cloaks of the knights of the Order of M alta, as well as the black cassocks of the monks, inspired the architect's color scheme.
The highlight of the Gatchina Palace is that it looks different from different sides, not repeating at all.
So, from the south it looks like a Gothic chapel, and its northern part seems to grow out of the water. If you look at the castle from the side of the lake, you get the impression that it was built on an island. Thanks to this, a kind of parallel with M alta is drawn. The retaining wall makes it look like a fortress, and from the main entrance, the Priory Palace resembles a country estate. However, the castle looks surprisingly solid. The striking originality and emphasized asymmetry of the structure was noted by all scientists who study it.
Architectural features
Although the Priory Palace is not as magnificent as many other castles located in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, this does not diminish its significance. It is largely due to the uniqueness of the building. The fact is that this is the only building left in the country, created with the help of zembit technology. This means that the layers of loam, densely compressed, were impregnated with a solution of lime. This is how the walls of the palace itself and the fence were built, as well as some buildings located near the building.
The uniqueness of the castle lies in the fact that, being built from the earth, it managed to stand for almost two hundred years without needing reconstruction. Yes andnow continues to look impressive, proudly speaking against the backdrop of the Black Lake. By the way, due to the construction technology, the castle received another name - Earthen.
Palace backstory
The history of the Priory Palace spans more than two centuries. It was created in 1799 specifically for the Order of M alta. Or rather, for the French Prince Condé, who was the prior of the Order.
The history of the palace is closely intertwined with the events that took place in Europe in the 18th century. The French Revolution proved devastating to the order. During it, he lost most of the land. The Russian Empire has long maintained close friendly relations with M alta.
Therefore, the knights asked for help from Paul I, who recently ascended the throne. In response to this, the emperor approved the “great priory” of the Order of M alta in the state. This happened in 1797. According to the convention, the Vorontsov Palace, located in the capital, was transferred to the order. In addition, Paul I ordered to build a castle in Gatchina for Prince Conde, who was then in exile.
Building a palace
The architect of the Priory Palace is Nikolai Lvov. He showed himself excellently not only in this field, but in many others, for example, he was an excellent poet and musician. Lvov had many talents. Therefore, during his lifetime he was nicknamed the Russian Leonardo da Vinci. The memory of this amazing man is still alive.
He was entrusted with the construction of the palace for the order. Nikolay Lvovprepared several projects, and even before the start of construction, he erected several structures using the same technology that was later used to create the palace. The architect's idea was stylistically similar to medieval Swiss castles, but in no way copied them. Construction began in 1797. The palace was built extremely quickly. Two years after the start of construction, finishing work was carried out in it and the furniture was completed. In the summer of 1799, the highest review of the palace and its transfer to the order took place. At the same time, Paul I, as the Grand Master, was also the owner of the castle.
Further fate of the palace
Later - during the reign of Emperor Alexander I - the Priory Palace was transferred to the treasury. Then it was hardly used. In the twenties of the XIX century, the palace played the role of a Lutheran church. By the end of the century, it underwent a significant reconstruction. The castle was equipped with water supply and sewerage, strengthened the building and adapted it for the simultaneous residence of fifty people. Thus, it became possible to provide premises for the courtiers to live in.
Priory in the twentieth century
From the beginning of the last century, excursions began to be held in the castle. During World War I, the Priory Palace in Gatchina served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Later, recreation centers were located here. During the Second World War, he miraculously survived, although some of his buildings were completely destroyed.
In the second half of the century, it housed first the House of Pioneers, and then -Regional Museum. The Priory Palace began to be restored in the 80s. Restoration lasted about twenty years, and already in 2004 the castle opened its gates for tours.
Legends and interesting facts
The most incredible legends go about the Priory Palace. One of them, for example, speaks of the existence of a secret underground passage. According to legend, it connects the castle with the Gatchina Imperial Palace. It is difficult to say whether this is so, but it must be mentioned that in the course of work to strengthen the foundation, such a move was indeed discovered. It is lined with stone and, reaching at first a height of almost two meters, gradually decreases. But this move was never completed to the end, so its purpose could not be determined.
An interesting feature of the palace is that it was actually built on a swamp. He owes this to one event that happened during the design. The point is that during the construction, the creator of the castle, Nikolai Lvov, did not communicate directly with the emperor, but with one of his close associates, Prosecutor General Obolyaninov. He rejected several proposals from the architect regarding the construction site. Then Lvov suggested that Obolyaninov personally choose the site on which the palace would be built.
The Prosecutor General pointed to a swamp near the Black Lake - perhaps the most unattractive and unsuitable place for this purpose. And the architect agreed to this condition. True, the construction had to spend much more effort and money. So, it was necessary to lay ditches and dryswamp. And on a hill formed from excavated earth, the Gatchina Priory Palace was built.
Palace in art
The unusual beauty of the castle has long attracted painters. Inspired by the stunning views of the palace, the artists sought to display on their canvases. In many ways, the love for this castle was due to its already mentioned feature - from different angles it looks completely different.
The Priory Palace is depicted in the paintings of M. V. Dobuzhinsky, T. G. Shevchenko and other painters, poets wrote poems about it.
The Palace today
Today the castle looks the same as two hundred years ago. During the reconstruction, its original appearance was restored. Currently, fascinating excursions are held here, where they are introduced to the history of the building. And the most interesting exhibit is rightfully the Priory Palace itself. How to get to the castle is known not only to residents of St. Petersburg, but also far beyond its borders.
In addition, ancient traditions are being actively revived in the palace. One of them is the regular concert evenings in the chapel. Excellent acoustics, bright spacious hall and brilliant performance attract many connoisseurs of music and not only here. The castle chapel also hosts various festive events, meetings, poetry evenings and concerts, conferences.
How to get to the palace?
More and more visitors are attracted to the walls of the Priory Palace in Gatchina. How to get to the castle and admire this pearl of architecture? FromPetersburg to Gatchina can be reached by train, as well as by train. The journey will take no more than an hour and a half. In addition, to get to Gatchina, you can use the minibus.
Once in the city, you can ask any of the residents where the Priory Palace is located. Address: Chkalova street, Priory Park, Gatchina State Museum-Reserve. And you can get to the castle itself on foot, at the same time enjoying the incredible views around.
Excursions in the palace
Currently, interesting excursions are being held in the palace. Visitors are told about the history of the Order of M alta and the castle itself. In addition, you can learn a lot about earth-moving construction techniques, as well as get to know the personality of the architect Nikolai Lvov.
The museum is open to visitors every day except the first Tuesday of every month. Entrance to Priory Park is free. By the way, this green area was also created at the end of the 18th century to emphasize the beauty of the castle. Later, many picturesque walking paths, artificial lakes and islets were laid out here. The park has long been a favorite vacation spot for both local residents and St. Petersburg residents. The Priory Palace in Gatchina, the cost of visiting which will be from 60 to 120 rubles, will give a truly unforgettable experience. And you will definitely want to come back here again and again.
Time here flows in a completely different way, in the spirit of a medieval monastery. By visiting the palace towers, pavilions and gardens, you can truly feelunforgettable atmosphere of a knight's castle.
