The Priorat Palace is the only surviving rammed earth (pisé) building in Russia, constructed in just three months in 1799.
The park was designed to serve as a secluded retreat for the Priory of the Order of Malta, which was under the patronage of Emperor Paul I.
The Black Lake within the park was created by damming the Gatchinka River, which feeds into the park's central basin.
The building's exterior walls are made of layers of local red clay and straw, compacted into wooden molds.
The park serves as a buffer zone between the Gatchina palace complex and the town, preserving the historic sightlines of the 18th-century ensemble.
Prioratsky Park is a protected landscape area in Gatchina, Russia, primarily known for housing the 18th-century Priorat Palace. The park occupies a distinct terrain featuring the Black Lake and a mix of coniferous and deciduous forest paths. The central landmark, the Priorat Palace, is built from pisé—a rammed earth construction technique—making it a rare architectural survivor in Russia. Unlike the neighboring Gatchina Palace grounds, the Prioratsky Park retains a more secluded, semi-wild atmosphere. The park’s layout was significantly influenced by the development of the palace, commissioned by Paul I for the Priory of the Order of Malta. Today, it functions as a public space for walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing in winter. Visitors can navigate the network of trails that circumvent the Black Lake and connect to the nearby Gatchina residential sectors.
The shoreline of the Black Lake looking toward the Priorat Palace.
Wear waterproof footwear as the park trails can become muddy or flooded during the spring thaw.
Follow the marked paths to avoid damaging the protected ecosystem of the forest floor.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months due to the park's proximity to wetlands and the lake.
Do not attempt to traverse the forest off-trail during the spring thaw when the ground is unstable.
The park area is open year-round, but specific exhibition buildings within may close on Mondays.
Stick to designated walking paths; refrain from picking vegetation or feeding local wildlife.
