Kadriorg Palace
Ideal: Ideal for those who want palace, park, art, and a calm stroll.
After Peter the Great took Estonia from Sweden, he had this built for his wife Catherine in 1718; the name already means 'Catherine's valley' in Estonian. The Baroque design is by Italian architect Niccolò Michetti, and the small cottage where the tsar stayed while watching the construction site still stands in the park. The KUMU museum in the same park opened in 2006, embedded in the limestone slope, and was named European Museum of the Year in 2008; it stands out for showing Soviet-era official art and dissident art side by side. The presidential residence is also inside this park.
Quick facts
- Architect
- Niccolò Michetti
- Commissioned by
- Peter the Great
- Architectural style
- baroque architecture
- Heritage status
- architectural monument
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Who was the palace built for?
Peter the Great built it in 1718 for his wife Catherine — the name means "Catherine's Valley". Peter's own modest house is also preserved in the park.
What is in the park?
Baroque gardens, a rose garden, a swan pond and KUMU, the main building of the Estonian Art Museum. It is Tallinn's largest public park, reached by tram from the centre.
Is the presidential palace here too?
Yes — the Estonian president's official residence stands in the park right beside the palace. Built in 1938, it can be seen from outside.
Why go?
- To see one of Estonia's most elegant palace and park areas
- For a calm walk through the gardens
- To combine with art museums and a culture route
Travel tip
It makes a lot of sense to put Kadriorg and the KUMU Art Museum on the same day.
