Priory Palace

About museum

Priory Palace — the undisputed architectural symbol of Gatchina, erected in 1799 to a design by N. A. Lvov — one of the outstanding enlighteners of the 18th century. In Russia it is the only surviving example of rammed-earth construction from that period. In the southern part of the palace one can notice a distant resemblance to a Gothic chapel. N. A. Lvov was an engineer, poet, pyrotechnician, historian, geologist, artist and composer, and was therefore called the 'Russian Leonardo'. Over the years the Priory Palace has been used as a tourist base, a pioneer house and a local history museum. Today guided tours, concerts in the chapel, theatrical performances, concerts and celebrations are held here. Visitors can learn about the history of the palace, the Order of Malta, the architect N. A. Lvov and the technique of rammed-earth construction.