Another day we set off by railway to Tzarskoe Selo, a very extensive royal residence, and favourite resort of the Imperial family.
At the entrance to the grounds of the palace are two small towers, covered with Egyptian figures.
The façade of the palace is 1,200 feet in length. Originally every statue, pedestal and capital of the numerous columns, the vases, carving and other ornaments in front were covered with gold leaf, costing more than a million of ducats.
The rooms in this palace, like all others, are richly decorated with simple white and gold, or hung with rich silks. One very elegant room, called the lapis lazuli, has strips of this stone inlaid in the walls, and the floor of this apartment is of ebony, inlaid with large flowers of mother of pearl, forming one of the most splendid contrasts possible. But the wonder of this palace is the famous amber room, the walls of which are literally panelled with this material in various designs.
The state apartments are, as usual, lavishly covered with gold, one part occupied by a collection of the most splendid China vases, and other costly articles.
Here are pointed out the simple rooms occupied by the late Emperor Alexander I, whom all seem to remember with great affection.
His apartments have been kept exactly as he left them when he departed for Tagannag.
This account of the interior, I should observe, is taken from the guide book, as we could not obtain admission, being unfortunately on the wrong day, perhaps the only time we regretted not having with us the all-important order from Prince Adlerberg. Not gaining admission left us more time to spend in the grounds, which extend over eighteen miles in circumference.
The gardens are certainly kept in the very highest order, the trees and flowers are watched and inspected with the greatest minuteness. An old invalid soldier commands his 500 or 600 men as gardeners and overseers. Every leaf that falls in pond or canal is carefully fished up. They trim and polish the trees and paths in the gardens to the greatest nicety, and the grass borders are kept in the finest condition.