During a couple of After Business Hours last week, SCCE got a real taste of Tsar Peter the Great.

We started our journey back to the 18th century with a guided tour in Tallinn’s Kadriorg Palace.

Built for Catherine I of Russia by Tsar Peter the Great, construction works on the Baroque palace started in 1718. After the Tsar’s death in 1725 the palace received little attention from the Russian royal family. However, through the centuries extensive restoration works of the palace and grounds took place.

After the declaration of independence of Estonia in 1918, the palace became state property and in connection with a state visit by the Swedish King Gustaf V in 1929, the palace was turned into a summer residence for the Estonian Head of State.

During the Soviet occupation the palace was neglected and after Estonia’s restored independence in 1991 major renovation works were started, supported by among others the Swedish Government.

The palace was reopened in the summer of 2000, and is nowadays a branch of the Estonian Art Museum displaying a unique collection of fine foreign art.

Our After Business Hours continued with a short walk down to Restaurant Kadriorg where a very special dinner waited for us.

Called the Kadriorg Palace Garden, Restaurant Kadriorg has created a special menu including food and wine inspired by the gourmet culture of Tsar Peter the Great.

On behalf of the SCCE Council I would like to thank Kadriorg Palace, Restaurant Kadriorg and all SCCE participants for a couple of very nice, cozy and tasty After Business Hours together.

Sincerely,

Kristiina Sikk
SCCE Ombudsman