The landscape Priory Park in Gatchina was created in 1799, when the Priory Palace was built on the shore of the Black Lake by order of Emperor Paul I. In 1798, he assumed the title of Grand Master (Prior) of the Order of Malta and decided to create a summer residence in Gatchina for the highest leadership of the order.
The territory of the Priory Park is 154 hectares, but most of it is a forest area. After the completion of the Priory Palace, the landscaping of the Priory Park was entrusted to a gardener from Ireland, James Hecket. He deepened and cleared the Black Lake, where the palace is located. He also laid walking alleys along the Pike Lake. Then all works were stopped.
In 1801, Paul I was assassinated, and his son Alexander I did not maintain such close ties with the Order of Malta. As a result, most of the knights left Russia and the need for the Grand Master`s summer residence disappeared. After that, the palace was empty most of the time. In 1881, Emperor Alexander III made the Great Gatchina Palace his main residence. He rebuilt the Priory Palace for the residence of the choristers of the court chapel in it.
There are no beautiful pavilions in the Priory Park, as in the Gatchina Palace Park. However, if you decide to visit the palace, then you need to plan time to walk around the park near the Pike Lake. It is located on a hill above the Priory Palace.
Pike Lake has a beautiful bend. The beautiful nature of central Russia has been preserved here. Pine and birch trees grow on its shore. Beautiful landscapes were created by gardeners and on the shore of the Black Lake. Priory Park is one of the most popular park areas for residents of Gatchina.
