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Octagonal well

Private garden, Krasnoarmeyskiy Ave., 1, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188307

The octagonal well is one of those amazing architectural works that, despite its relatively small size (about seven meters in diameter and more than two meters deep), impresses and remains memorable for its simplicity, elegance, and perfection.
Imperial Parks: Gatchina
photo
Jermaine

The octagonal well is one of those amazing architectural works that, despite its relatively small size (about seven meters in diameter and more than two meters deep), impresses and remains memorable for its simplicity, elegance, and perfection.

Its name only partially reflects the shape that Antonio Rinaldi gave to the granite framing of this spring. The outline of the well consists of an alternation of four semicircular elements connected by small segments. The joints are marked by pilasters, the central plane of which is highlighted by a rectangular recessed contour. A profiled belt running along the perimeter emphasizes the upper rounded part of the granite rim of the basin, the total height of which is just over a meter. The granite bowl, barely rising above the lawn level, seems to merge with it and at first glance appears to be a natural formation rather than a work of architecture. But upon closer approach and more careful examination, one involuntarily marvels at how the basin seems drawn with a single virtuoso stroke, with perfectly found proportional relationships.



In the decorative design of the well, combining classical symmetry and Baroque whimsy, one can feel Rinaldi’s individual artistic style.

The octagonal well seems like a magical stone flower, in the shaped bud of which the living water never runs dry.

Sources:

http://gatchina3000.ru/misc/pages/podzemn_hod-grot_echo_jpg.htm

https://gatchinapalace.ru/park/attractions/octagonal_decks.php

 

 

photo
Jermaine

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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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2 K. Podryadchikova St., Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188308

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Petersburg: In the Footsteps of the Masons
Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Krasnoarmeyskiy Ave, 2, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188307

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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Sylvia Park

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

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
The name "Sylvia" originates from the Latin "silvia" — forest, and is also connected to the journey of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich and his wife abroad, during which they visited the French estate of Chantilly on June 10–12, 1782. At that time, there was already a park named "Sylvie" there (this was the poetic name of Marie-Félix des Ursins, wife of Henry II de Montmorency). Sylvia in Gatchina was created from 1792 to 1800 by architect Brenna and landscape gardener Hekket.
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Monument to Paul I

Krasnoarmeyskiy Ave, 1, Gatchina, Leningrad Region, Russia, 188307

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
The sculpture of Paul I is installed on a four-sided polished shaped pedestal made of Finnish granite. The emperor is depicted in a ceremonial uniform and tricorne hat, leaning on a cane. The emperor’s pose, the tilt of his head, and the expression on his face give the monument an air of dignity and grandeur. In Gatchina, the statue is placed on the parade ground in front of the Grand Gatchina Palace, near the parapet, facing the palace and the parade ground, as if the emperor were reviewing a parade. In Pavlovsk, the statue stands in the center of the Parade Ground in front of the Pavlovsk Palace, with the emperor turned toward the entrance alley, “welcoming guests” to his summer residence.
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Pavilion "Birdhouse"

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

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
"Ptichnik" is a building on the bank of the Kolpanka River on the southern border of Zverinets Park in the city of Gatchina, Leningrad Region. The structure was built at the end of the 18th century based on a design by A. D. Zakharov.
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Silvian Gates

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

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
The Silvian Gates are the main entrance to Sylvia Park from the Palace Park side in the city of Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast. The gates were built at the end of the 18th century, and the project was designed by Brenna.
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Three-arch Carp (Lion) Bridge

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

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
To the south of the Balcony Terrace, located in the Palace Park of Gatchina, lies the three-arched Karpichny (Lion) Bridge. The bridge spans an unfinished construction channel that was supposed to connect Karpin Pond with Black Lake.
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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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Cold bath

H3CX+M9 Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast, Russia

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
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.
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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.
photo
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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.
photo
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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

H43C+F4 Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast, Russia

Imperial Parks: Gatchina
Priory Park is a landscape park located in the southern part of the city. To the north, it borders the Palace Park; on the eastern and southern sides, the park is bordered by Soytu Street, which runs along the railway tracks. To the southeast, it is bounded by Parkovaya Street, which also runs along the railway line. The eastern boundary of the park is Chkalov Street. The main area of the park is occupied by a forested area. Within its territory, there are three lakes — Black, Pike, and Filkino.
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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.
photo
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