Here I am in front of another of Rastrelli's baroque masterpieces, the luxurious Catherine Palace, summer residence of Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, is vast. 

Among the many resplendent chambers is the Amber Room, originally constructed by Rastrelli from panels presented by Frederick of Prussia to Peter the Great (reconstruted since as the Nazis stole the originals).

Catherine the Great commisioned Charles Cameron to redesign the palace interior in 1779. His two greatest creations are the Cameron Gallery and the Agate Pavilion in the courtyard furnished with semi-precious stones.

Outside, you can wander in the palace gardens or row on the ornamental ponds.