Spared Nazi occupation, after WWII Oranienbaum was renamed for the scientist-poet Mikhail Lomonosov. Now known as Oranienbaum again, it doubles as a museum and public park , with lots of beautiful pathways, ornamental lakes and other follies and pavilions to enjoy.
Beyond the beautiful lake, the Palace of Peter III, also called Peterstadt, is a boxy toy palace, with rich interiors. It was restored in the late 1950s and early 1960s, but is in dire need of attention again and its salmon pink walls are now flaking and chipped. Approach the ‘palace’ through the monumental Gate of Honour, all that remains of a small-scale fortress where Peter amused himself drilling his soldiers.
Worth a peek also is Catherine’s over-the-top Chinese Palace, designed by Antonio Rinaldi, and recently fully restored, it boasts Rococo on the inside and baroque on the outside. The private retreat also features painted ceilings and fine inlaid-wood floors and walls.
