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. 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.
Only three rooms are open to visitors, but they’re impressive, with a huge tiger-skin carpet and an extremely ropey portrait of a young Queen Victoria to boot. It’s a poignant and forgotten place that doesn’t get many tourists; it’s a welcome contrast to the Catherine Palace.
