COTTAGE PALACE IN PETERHOF / PETRODVORETS

This former residence of Emperor Nicholas I (who ruled in 1825-55) is a carefully preserved mid-nineteenth century house meant to be a small, but comfortable private home for the royal family. For Nicholas and his family it was a safe haven, a refuge from tiring court life in the nearby splendid palaces and parks of Peterhof. Only the closest courtiers were invited here, and the Emperor spent his free time watching ships sailing on the Baltic Sea and drinking tea on an open verandah.

In a great public relations move Nicholas regularly invited peasants to watch him and his family during tea parties. Of course, the peasants were more than flattered and spread the word how human and family-oriented was their monarch. Yet, in reality Nicholas' reign was a time of political oppression and economic backwardness, which resulted in Russia's disastrous performance in the Crimean War.

Address: 198903, Petrodvorets
Telephone: 427-7146

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