Tsarskoye Selo, once known as the Czar’s Village or Pushkin, is approximately 17 miles south of the city of St. Petersburg and is the site of Catherine’s Palace. Built between 1719-1723 and restored many times, it has a stunning aqua colored façade, decorated with statues, gold and white ornaments and topped with gold onion domes. Inside is an immense collection of art work and furnishings. This, as with all of the palaces in the area, was heavily damaged by retreating German forces, but is now almost completely restored.