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Cold bath

H3CX+M9 Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast, Russia

An amazingly interesting structure, whose construction began at the end of the 18th century and was never completed, is still used for its intended purpose: during the hot season, the residents of Gatchina gladly bathe in the stone Cold Bath.
Imperial Parks: Gatchina
photo
Jermaine

An amazingly interesting structure, whose construction began at the end of the 18th century and was never completed, is still used for its intended purpose: during the hot season, the residents of Gatchina happily bathe in the stone Cold Bath.

Following European fashion, Paul I ordered the creation of a stone pool within the Palace Park where the imperial family and guests could bathe during the summer. There was also an essential condition: the structure had to have columns, pediments, a marble fireplace, or at least a tiled stove.

Construction work started in 1798. A special location was required for this architectural structure. It was found at the point where the winding Kolpanka River flows into the White Lake, in the eastern part of the Topkoy Island. The project of the Cold Bath was designed by the famous Gatchina architect Andreyan Zakharov, and the construction was supervised by Tomazzo Adamini.

By 1800, a small cascade and a rectangular pool lined with polished slabs of Putilovo and Pudost limestone were built. Further plans included constructing a stone pavilion with columns. However, due to the tragic death of Paul I, construction had to be halted.

The unfinished Summer Bath was only remembered at the end of the 19th century. The renowned architect Konstantin Preiss examined the pool basin and proposed his reconstruction project. The master decided to raise the walls and place several marble columns on them, which remained after dismantling the gates at the Engineering Castle. But this project was not approved, and the Cold Bath remained unfinished.

During the war, the structure suffered significant damage. In the 1980s, it was decided to begin major repairs and restoration of the Summer Bath. The cascade and pool structures made of Pudost limestone were replaced with reinforced concrete, but with the onset of perestroika, all work stopped.

The pool basin has survived to this day, but the surrounding area is neglected, and trash is not cleaned up.

Sources:

https://peterburg.center/maps/gatchina-holodnaya-vanna.html

http://gatchinapalace.ru/park/attractions/cold_baths.php

photo
Jermaine

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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Silvian Gates

Palace Park, Leningrad Region, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188307

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Three-arch Carp (Lion) Bridge

Lion Bridge, 25 October Ave., Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188304

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Palace Farm

Krasnoarmeyskiy Ave., 21A, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188307

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
On the southern bank of the winding Pilnaya River, during the time of Grigory Orlov, a cattle yard and dairy farm were built. Fresh meat, cream, and cottage cheese were supplied to the master's table. Following the European fashion, which proclaimed life in harmony with nature, Paul I gave the order to rebuild the old building.
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Black Gates

Krasnoarmeyskiy Ave., 25, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188301

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
"The Black Gates" — gates in the wall of Sylvia Park, built at the end of the 19th century. The exit gates from Sylvia Park towards Yegerskaya Sloboda. The structure was created during the construction of the Sylvia Park wall along Ekaterinverdersky Avenue (today's Krasnoarmeysky Avenue) in the 1880s.
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Chesme Obelisk

H483+RW Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast, Russia

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
The Chesme Obelisk is a monument in the Palace Park of Gatchina, erected in honor of the Russian fleet's victory over the Turkish fleet in the Chesme Battle on June 24–26 (July 5–7), 1770, during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774. It is a simple marble obelisk built on the shore of the White Lake according to the design of the Italian architect Antonio Rinaldi in the 1770s, at a time when Gatchina belonged to Prince Grigory Orlov. It is one of a series of memorials dedicated to the victory in the Chesme Battle, alongside other monuments, buildings, and palace interiors in the suburbs of Saint Petersburg.
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Priory Palace or Castle

Krasnoarmeysky Ave., 1, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188304

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
The Priory Palace or Castle is an original palace in Gatchina. It is often called the Priory (from the French *prieuré* — "a small monastery, monastic estate"). It was built in 1799 by the architect Lvov. The name "Priory Palace" became associated with the Priory in the 20th century. The Priory Palace is not as luxurious as other palaces in the suburbs of Saint Petersburg. Its fame is determined by the unusual construction technology, original appearance, and the remarkable combination of the palace and the surrounding landscape.
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Priory Park

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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Grand Gatchina Palace

Krasnoarmeysky Ave., 1, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188307

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
Great Architects: Antonio Rinaldi
The Great Gatchina Palace was built between 1766 and 1781 in Gatchina according to the design of the Italian architect Antonio Rinaldi in the neoclassical style for Catherine II’s favorite, Count Grigory Grigoryevich Orlov. Situated on a hill above Silver Lake, the palace combines themes of a medieval castle and a country residence. The palace interiors are an example of Russian neoclassicism at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The palace was one of the favorite retreats of the royal family.
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Lower Garden

WQ84+93 Petrodvortsovy District, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
In front of the northern facade of the Grand Palace stretches the formal Lower Garden. It is located on a slope formed by a high ridge of the coastal part of the Gulf of Finland, occupying an area of 4.8 hectares. This is one of the first formal gardens in Russia, established two years after the construction of the Grand Palace began.
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