In 1708, the Finnish settlement of Saar farm became the residence of Catherine, the wife of Peter the Great. The place name acquired a more Russian sound and turned into Tsar farm. In 1718, a two storied building and a terraced park were created. In the middle of the 18th century the Great (Catherine's) Palace and the Hermitage and Grotto Pavilions were built (architect B. Rastrelli) and the New and Upper Gardens were planted. In the end of the 18th century, architect Charles Cameron supervised the construction of the Agate Pavilion, the Hanging Garden and the Cameron Gallery . Architect G. Quarenghi built a palace for Grand Duke Alexander Petrovitch. At the moment twelve halls of the Alexander Palace are open for tourists. In the beginning of the 19th century the Lyceum was opened not far from Catherine's Palace, an elite school for boys from the families of the aristocracy. A. S. Pushkin, Russia 's great poet, studied there. At the moment, the Lyceum is a museum dedicated to Pushkin's schooldays.
