The lecture on Gothic is an opportunity to embark on an imaginary journey through the castles, cathedrals, and legends of medieval Europe without leaving St. Petersburg. You will encounter vivid images, rare architectural examples, and history told in a lively manner. Atmospheric, figurative, and with a true immersion into the era. How is the world of Gothic arranged? What distinguishes pointed arches from Romanesque ones, and castle towers from ordinary wings? In the lecture "Gothic: Castles, Cathedrals and Knights," you will not only learn about this but literally walk in the footsteps of architectural and cultural images embodied in the residences of the suburbs of St. Petersburg. Historian Ekaterina Oreshina will guide listeners through Gothic routes: from the English Alexandria in Peterhof, created for Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna, to Shuvalovsky Park and Orlov's dacha in Strelna. You will discover why Neo-Gothic became fashionable among the Russian nobility in the 19th century, how Romanticism influenced garden design, and why towers in ruins were built in landscape parks. The lecture is part of the cycle "Images and Styles of Different Countries in the Suburban Residences of St. Petersburg" and the project "Silver Age." It will be especially interesting for those who are passionate about architecture, the history of St. Petersburg, and stylistic trends. You can expect a lively narrative, rare facts, and visual images that can enliven any walk through the suburbs. You will not only immerse yourself in the medieval era but also look at familiar places in a new way. Perhaps after the lecture, you will want to embark on your own exploration of Gothic motifs - with a camera or a book. The lecture takes place in the White Hall of the Central Library named after M. Yu. Lermontov - an intimate, cozy space with an atmosphere of thoughtful dialogue. Admission is free. Age restriction - 12+. You can find out where to go in St. Petersburg on our website.