Riding Mountain (roller coaster)

[1] At the second floor there were doors leading to two forses (Russian: форс), or platforms, from which one can take a ride along ramps, or artificial "mountains".

[3] It was described by the Anglican clergyman John Glen King (who mentioned that some Englishmen visiting Russia called them "Flying Mountains") as follows: You will observe that there are five mounts of unequal height: the first and the highest is full thirty feet perpendicular altitude; the momentum with which they descend this carries them over the second, which is about five or six feet lower, just sufficient to allow for the friction and resistance; and so on to the last, from which they are conveyed by a gentle descent, with nearly same velocity, over a piece of water into a little island.

The process is, two of four persons fit in a little carriage and one stands behind, for more there are in it the greater the swiftness with which it goes; it runs on castors and in grooves to keep it on its right direction, and it descends with a wonderful rapidity.

At the same place, there is another artificial mount which goes in a spiral line, and in my opinion, for I have tried it also, is very disagreable; as it seems always leaning on one side, and the person feels in danger of falling out of seat.

[3] A similar katalnaya gora pavilion was built in 1762–1774 in the Oranienbaum royal residence, architected by Antonio Rinaldi and preserved until the modern times.