Tsar's Village

Located in Tsarskoye Selo (Tsar's Village), this is one of the summer residences used by the Russian Tsars. It is called Catherine Palace because it was the favorite palace of Catherine, wife of Peter the Great.

The original palace was built in 1717. It was torn down by order of Empress Elizabeth and replaced with a larger palace that was finished in 1756.

It has been largely restored and is open to tours. This picture only shows part of the 325 m (350 yard) long palace. It is a monument to both the wealth of the Tsars and their extravagance.