The Ekaterina Park, Pushkin town

The Ekaterina Park is an integral part of the Palace-and-Park ensemble of Tsarskoye Selo - a former country residence of Russian emperors. The Ekaterina Park consists of two parts: the regular old garden and the landscape “English Park”.

The old garden was planned on three ledges in front of the palace in 1720's by gardeners Ja.Roosen and I.Foht. At the same time the Mirrors ponds appeared on the third ledge.

During the reign of Elisaveta Petrovna, when Tsarskoe Selo was turned into a great country residence, the garden was enlarged, replanned and decorated by marble sculptures, mainly by Venice sculptors of the early 18th century - P.Baratta, A.Tarksia, D.Bonazzo and others, brought to Petersburg during the reign of Peter I. The clipped spinneys and laced stalls were set up in front of the palace. F.B. Rastrelli designed the pavilions "The Hermitage" and "Grotto" in the garden.

In 1770's the architects V. and I.Nejolov built "The Admiralty" complex, the Hermitage kitchen, Upper and Lower bathes.

By the end of the 18th century the interest the regular park disappeared, and in 1770's to the South of the Old park the landscape or “English” garden was started to form. It was created like English landscape parks. Main works were held in 1770-1780's. The first plan of the Landscape Park was designed by the architect V.Nejolov. But the basic plan of its creation was designed by G.Bush - the experienced landscape master, which directed the building since 1771. The garden created in a new style was filled by various architectural constructions, monuments to Glory and sculptures proved the great reign of the Empress Ekaterina II.