Cottage Palace
Nicholas I's cozy Gothic style on the site of Menshikov's ruins.
The Cottage Palace was built in 1826–1829 to a design by the architect Menelaus for the family of Nicholas I — right on the site of the ruins of Menshikov's «Moncourage». It is Neo-Gothic: pointed windows, lacy cast-iron balconies, wood carving. The imperial family wanted to live here not as monarchs in a palace but as an ordinary English family in a country house. Inside, authentic interiors and collections have been preserved, and everywhere is the coat of arms of Alexandria: a shield with a sword in a wreath of white roses. The white rose was the empress's family nickname from the time of her Prussian youth.
Walks in Peterhof / Day trips
🏰 Alexandria Park: Nicholas I's Gothic
Across the entire Lower Park — into the quiet landscape park of Alexandria: the Gothic Chapel, the farm for English cows and the cozy Cottage Palace.
🥾 All of Peterhof in a day: from west to east
A big hike for those who love walking: from Sobstvennaya Dacha through the entire Lower Park, the Colonist Islands and the cathedral — to the Cottage Palace in Alexandria. Return by bus or taxi.