Why is Italy called the land of harmony? What do Peterhof and Italian gardens have in common? Ekaterina Oreshina's lecture is a journey through the cultural ties of the two countries, architectural influences, and the images of the south that transformed the northern residences of the Petersburg nobility. Italy can be recognized by its mountains, delicious food, or the poetry of its language, but for many, it remains a land of art, dreams, and beauty. This lecture focuses on how the image of the sunny south was embodied in the surroundings of St. Petersburg: in parks, palaces, and country residences. Ekaterina Oreshina's lecture is part of the series "Images and Styles of Different Countries in the Country Residences of the Surroundings of Petersburg" and is dedicated to Italy-a country that has greatly influenced the development of architectural and landscape culture in Russia. Participants will learn how and why, in the 18th and 19th centuries, Italian masters-Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Giovanni Battista Rinaldi, and Carlo Rossi-came to work in Russia and what they brought to the architectural appearance of the capital's residences. What were their projects like? Which elements of the Italian garden-cascades, fountains, terraces-migrated into the compositions of Pavlovsk and Peterhof? A separate part of the lecture will be devoted to the symbolic meaning of the "Italian" south for the residents of the northern capital. Why did these images become important? How do they reflect the aspiration for light, warmth, and harmony? This is not just a historical excursion but a conversation about meanings, styles, and cultural intersections. The program is aimed at a wide audience-everyone interested in the history of art, architecture, landscape design, and the culture of Russia and Europe. Admission is free. Sharing ideas on where to go in St. Petersburg this weekend.