Pushkin

I took a private tour to Pushkin where Tsarskoe Selo is located. These palaces and gardens were created as a country retreat by Catherine I - the wife of Peter the Great. Tsarina Elizabeth began extensive work on the estate and then Catherine the Great  (Catherine II) redesigned  the palace with the help of Scottish architect Charles Cameron. Tsar Nicholas and family were initially imprisonned here in 1917. 

During WWII the palace was occupied by the Germans and was extensively damaged. To-day the restoration that has occurred is remarkable.

The guide Anna was an interesting person. She was the daughter of a Russian physician (anaesthetist) who when he retired went to live in the Czeck republic. Anna was the single mother of a 10 yr old girl but had been a professional guide for 6 years. She originally got a degree in history but now to get their annual certification as a guide they  have to attend seminars in the winter months when there are less tourists.

This is the first time I have taken photos with my IPad Pro.

Pushkin

Anna