Tsarskoye Selo Facts for Kids

The beautiful Catherine Palace and Park

Tsarskoye Selo (which means "Tsar's Village" in Russian) was once a grand home for the Russian emperors and their families. It is located about 26 kilometers (16 miles) south of St. Petersburg. Today, it is no longer a royal home. Instead, it is part of the town of Pushkin and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. This means it's a very important place that the UNESCO wants to protect for everyone to enjoy.

History of Tsarskoye Selo
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History of Tsarskoye Selo

Early Beginnings

In the 1600s, this area belonged to a noble family from Sweden. It was a quiet place before it became famous.

Peter the Great's Gift

In 1708, Peter the Great, a famous Russian emperor, gave this land as a special gift to his wife. She helped build a church there in 1724. For a short time, the place was called Blagoveschenskoye, but this name did not last.

Catherine I's Vision

It was Catherine I, another Russian empress, who truly started to turn Tsarskoye Selo into a royal estate. She began building the magnificent Catherine Palace. This palace is now known for its stunning beauty and history.

A Popular Summer Spot

By the late 1700s, Tsarskoye Selo became a very popular place for noble families to visit during the summer. They enjoyed the beautiful palaces and parks. However, during World War II, on September 17, 1941, the German army caused great damage to the town of Pushkin. Many historical buildings and valuable items were destroyed.