Kadriorg Palace & Park Guide

The Russian Tsar Peter I began building Kadriorg Palace and Park in 1718 in honour of the empress Catherine I. Designed by the Italian architect Niccolo Michetti, the building was inspired by Italian villas and stands as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Northern Europe. In addition to Italian and Russian artists, the best local craftsmen from Stockholm, Riga and Tallinn were brought in to create this lavish palace. By 1921 the palace had become home to the Estonian Museum of Tallinn which later became the Art Museum of Estonia in 1928. After extensive renovation work, the palace opened the Foreign Art Museum in 2000 which today hosts exhibitions, theatre performances and lectures. The Kadriorg Park was originally 100 hectares (247 acres) and consists of beautiful landscaped gardens, the Flower Garden and the popular Swan Lake. The surrounding area has been a popular tourist resort for centuries and visitors are able to view many other opulent properties in the area.
Air: Tallinn Airport. Rail: Tallinn Station. Road: Bus: Public services.