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THE FIRST RUSSIAN EMPEROR
Duration: 8 hours One cannot escape mentioning the name of Peter I at least a hundred times while showing around ST-Petersburg. There is a one-day tour on our list entirely dedicated to the “first architect” of ST-Petersburg. The tour will start from a visit to the Boat House of Peter I. Preserved and taken care of for years and years, the Boat House of Peter the Great is a witness to the first days of ST-Petersburg. The site was chosen so that the windows looked onto the waters of the Neva and the bastions of the fortress, so the Tsar could watch it being constructed. The first timber lodging of the undemanding emperor was built by captured Swedish soldiers in three days. There is only a study, a dining room and a bed-room. The first “case” for the wooden cabin, an open stone gallery, was built even in the time of Peter I. It was later replaced in the XIX century by the current one. The next tour stop is the Summer Palace of Peter I. To build his town residence, Peter chose a spot on the bank of the Neva River, being also surrounded by waters of a nameless brook at that time (now the Fontanka River). Having been built in Dutch style, much- favored by Peter, the mansion was intended to be lived in the summer time (May-September). The construction was finished in 1713, by the first architect of ST-Petersburg Domeniko Trezzini. Along with the Boat House of Peter I, the Summer Palace is a unique example of the very first buildings of ST-Petersburg of the beginning of the XVIII century. Menshikov Palace is our next stop. Alexander Menshikov was the first Governor of ST-Petersburg and the closest friend of Peter. His Palace was started in 1710 on Basil Island; the island used to be the property of Alexander Menshikov too, having been presented to him by Peter I. Menshikov Palace was the most lavish mansion of ST-Petersburg of Petrine era, often Peter had to borrow it from his friend for receptions and assemblies. After Menshikov’s exile in 1727, the Palace along with its contents was confiscated by the Government and the Cadet School was opened there. The Palace was reopened as a Museum in 1981 after careful and detailed restoration of the original interiors. In the afternoon we will travel to Peterhoff, the first summer Imperial residence built under the orders and close supervision of Peter the Great, to visit Monplaisir Palace. The favorite Palace of Peter I built on the very bank of the Finish Gulf was completed before the Upper Chambers (Grand Palace of Peterhoff) and was preferred by the family of the Great Russian Emperor. Monplaisir is “my pleasure” in French, the name borrowed from the French court but also it was known as the Dutch House of Peter I, its exterior and interior resembling moderate houses of Dutch burgers. Monplaisir was the first palace to be built in Peterhoff, Peter himself chose its location and design. In every single way Monplaisir reflects the taste and preferences of the first Russian Emperor. After a leisurely stroll through the fountain park of Peterhoff, we will depart back to the city.
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