Not far from Marly Palace, on the banks of the gulf of Finland, the gracious Hermitage Pavilion was designed for the relaxation of the emperor and his guests. Built by Braunstein in 1725, the building is surrounded by a moat filled with water that reinforces its isolated feeling. The ground floor contained a front hall, kitchen and a room with an elevator mechanism. From there guests were taken upstairs in a special chair. The ceremonial room decorated with paintings by European masters from the 17C and 18C occupies the entire first floor.