Global Treasures: Pavlovsk Palace

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1071

UPC: 879061006708

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

In 1782, Catherine the Great had the magnificent Pavlovsk Palace built for her son. It is difficult to believe that it was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, after which it was fully restored. The palace's furniture and art were spared from enemy bombardment, thus preserving their full splendor to the present day.

The interior architecture of the building was formed by two main influences, the military preferences of Tsar Paul I and the opposing taste of his wife, Maria. During the lifetime of the tsars, the palace became more than merely a functional building as it combines richly designed architecture with an amazing array of art from the 18th and 19th centuries, making it a combination of both palace and art museum.

Many European flowers and trees have found a new home in the marvelous setting of the 600-hectare Pavlovsk Park, a scene of harmony and romantic tranquility which contains various small temples, pavilions and monuments, including 200 sculptures.