Started in 1777 by the Tsarevich and then Tsar Paul I of Russia as a country residence near the magnificent residence of his mother the Empress Catherine II of Russia at Tsarskoe Selo.

The palace was influenced by the visit of Paul I of Russia and Princess Maria Sophia Dorothea of Württemberg made to Europe, visiting France, Italy and Austria.

Especially influenced the castle memories Russians had the young princes of their stay in Paris, where they were received by King Louis XVI of France and Archduchess Marie Antoinette of Austria.