Alexander Palace

Top choice


The classical Alexander Palace, built by Quarenghi between 1792 and 1796 for the future Alexander I, is surrounded by the charming Alexander Park. Nicholas II, the last Russian tsar, was its main tenant and he made it his residence for much of his reign.

The palace is currently undergoing renovation and is closed to the public, with completion due in 2018 at the earliest.

Nicholas and his wife Alexandra cared for their haemophiliac son and heir to the Romanov throne, Alexei, within this sad palace's walls, as his empire and dynasty slowly collapsed. When the palace reopens, expect to see a number of impressive rooms (look for the huge tiger-skin carpet and an extremely ropey portrait of a young Queen Victoria).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Catherine Palace

0.32 MILES

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

3. Alexander Park

0.33 MILES

This somewhat overgrown 200-hectare park houses the Alexander Palace, a favourite retreat for Nicholas II and family, the last of the Romanov line.

4. Catherine Park

0.46 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…

5. Cameron Gallery

0.47 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…

6. Chinese Pavilion

0.5 MILES

Also known as the Chinese Village, this assembly of buildings was commissioned by Catherine the Great during the craze for Chinoiserie in the late 18th…

7. Grotto Pavilion

0.57 MILES

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

8. Concert Hall

0.57 MILES

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