Pavlovsky Park, St Petersburg, Russia

Pavlovsky Park can be considered the gold standard of scientific restoration of historical parks. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the government nationalized Pavlovsky Palace and Pavlovsky Park, and since 1918 the park has been under state protection. Restoration and reconstruction work at Pavlovsky Park began almost immediately after the end of the war. Restoration and reconstruction work at Pavlovsky Park began almost immediately after the end of the Great Patriotic War because of its extraordinary importance in Russian history and the love of St. Petersburg citizens. Because St. Petersburg is growing dramatically larger, Pavlovsky Park is much closer to the city boundary and more affected by industrial pollution. Pavlovsky Park offers year-round recreational activities, including tours of the palace, park pavilions and the park, and horseback riding.