Lomonosov Garden

Could an orange tree blossom in the cold north? This whimsical question seems to echo through the Lomonosov Garden, nestled in the town once known as Oranienbaum. The name, a charming Germanism meaning “orange tree,” hints at the garden’s origins, tied to the opulent Grand Palace built for Prince Menshikov, Peter the Great’s close advisor. Lomonosov Garden, originally part of the Oranienbaum estate, is more than just a patch of green. It’s a living testament to a complex history, a place that witnessed the rise and fall of princes, the whims of emperors, and the enduring power of nature. Lomonosov Garden, together with the palace, predates all other imperial residences surrounding St. Petersburg. Imagine the scene in the early 18th century: Menshikov, at the height of his power, strolls through the Lower Garden, admiring the parterres bursting with color, the fountains spraying jets of water into the air. The palace, designed by Fontana and Schädel, stands as a symbol of his status, a testament to his close relationship with the Tsar. Lomonosov Garden and the entire estate of Oranienbaum stand out for another reason. Unlike Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo, they escaped the grasp of Nazi forces during World War II. While other grand estates suffered damage, Lomonosov Garden and its palaces remained untouched by enemy occupation, preserving their original charm and character. After Menshikov’s fall from grace, Oranienbaum, and therefore also Lomonosov Garden, passed to the state, eventually becoming a summer residence for the future Peter III. He left his own mark, transforming a corner of the park into Petershtadt, a “Joke” castle and citadel complete with Holstein guards. Though mostly demolished under Pavel’s reign, traces of his vision remain. Lomonosov Garden continued its transformation under Catherine the Great, who commissioned the Chinese Palace within the Upper Park. The park we see today, with its elegant layout and carefully restored elements, largely reflects the design of the mid-19th century. Imagine strolling through the Upper Park, crossing the arched bridges, and catching glimpses of the Chinese Palace. The spirit of Catherine the Great, a woman of immense power and vision, still lingers in the air. In the 20th century, the town, and by extension Lomonosov Garden, took on the name of a scientific luminary, Mikhail Lomonosov. His colored-glass factory, established in nearby Ust-Ruditsa, cemented his connection to this place. So, as you stand within Lomonosov Garden, you stand on ground layered with history. From Menshikov’s grand vision to Catherine’s elegant touches, from Peter III’s playful fortress to Lomonosov’s scientific pursuits, the garden has absorbed the stories of the past. It stands as a quiet witness, its trees rustling with the whispers of history, inviting you to delve deeper into its rich and layered past.