Peterhof
Known throughout the world Grand Palace in Peterhof. Complex fountains of Peterhof was conceived by Peter the Great as a symbol of the triumph of Russia in the Great Northern War. Grand Palace, the main palace complex was built in 1724, during the war. First, the palace was a rather modest building (architects Leblon and Michetti), then, when the Empress Elizabeth was substantially rebuilt by architect Rastrelli.
The palace and park complex with fountains (especially luxury large cascade down from the central part of the palace). After the 1917 revolution was heavily damaged and destroyed by German troops, was restored by the Soviet restorers, and is now not only a monument to Peter's era, but also an illustration of painstaking work by Soviet masters. Fountains are open from May to October, the Grand Palace is open all year round. The museum is open from 10:30 to 18:00 every day except Mondays and sanitary days (the last Tuesday of the month). Ticket price for adults - 400 rubles for students (upon presentation of the document) -200 rubles. For Russians established preferential prices - 200 and 100 rubles.
Catherine Palace
Another imperial summer residence - Catherine Palace in Pushkin. It is also called the Grand Palace of Tsarskoye Selo. At one time, this area was donated by Peter I to his wife Catherine. The best architects worked on the creation of the palace and park unit and park facilities. Palace in its final form, is also a work of Rastrelli, the outstanding master of Russian baroque.
This grandiose and magnificent palace has the longest facade of all similar European structures: the length of its facade is 325 meters. During the war he was also destroyed, was kidnapped from his famous Amber Room. Now the palace is recreated and attracts tourists from all over the world. Visit it you can from 10:00 to 17:00 every day except Tuesday. Ticket price - 320 rubles for adults, $ 100 for pupils, 160 - for students and privileged categories of citizens.
The Winter Palace
The Winter Palace, the main royal residence of the Russian Empire, also built by architect Rastrelli. The current building of the Winter Palace - the fourth built for Empress Elizabeth, who did not have time to live in it and died, so he became the first inmate of Empress Catherine. The Winter Palace is in the heart of St. Petersburg, in front of Peter and Paul Fortress and the Spit of Vasilievsky Island. The Winter Palace is now part of a complex of the Hermitage, it posted a rich collection of works of art. Hermitage is open daily (except Mondays) from 10:30 to 18:00.
Admission to the Hermitage - 400 rubles for adults, for the Russians - 100 rubles for students - free admission.