This large ornamental 'pond' is more of a lake, and forms the centrepiece of the landscaped gardens at Tsarskoe Selo.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Grotto Pavilion

0.06 MILES

With a gorgeous location on the shore of the Great Pond, the Grotto Pavilion is sometimes used to host exhibits.

2. Cameron Gallery

0.14 MILES

A two-storey pavilion that houses temporary exhibitions on the ground floor. The upper-storey contains a long colonnade perfect for strolling and taking…

3. Catherine Park

0.18 MILES

Around the Catherine Palace extends the lovely Catherine Park. The main entrance is on Sadovaya ul, next to the Palace Chapel. The park extends around the…

4. Chesme Column

0.22 MILES

This is a monument to the Russian victory in the Battle of Chesme in 1778.

5. Catherine Palace

0.29 MILES

The centrepiece of Tsarskoe Selo, created under Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine the Great between 1744 and 1796, is the vast baroque Catherine Palace,…

6. Turkish Bath

0.32 MILES

With its minaret and mosaic-covered interior this pavilion perched over the water was meant to resemble a mosque. The building closes during bad weather.

7. Concert Hall

0.32 MILES

On an island in the middle of a large pond, this concert hall is used for various musical performances.