In 1714 Tzar Peter the Great made a decision to create a new countryside residence, which would impress the whole Europe and would not
be inferior to Versailles. According to the documents, which survived till the present days, historians and architects can claim
that Peter I designed the most part of the settlement himself. It took just several years to build the whole ensemble of Peterhof and in
August of 1723 the residence was officially opened. The residence consisted of parks,
fountains, small and big palaces.
During the WWII Peterhof was occupied by the German troops and a lot of structures and
fountains were ruined.
After the war the fountain system was revived and all the
fountain sculptures were reconstructed.
People from all over the world admire the magnificent Peter's residence - Peterhof.
Major sights
1. Grand Palace.
The Grand Palace is considered to be the center of the whole architectural ensemble in Peterhof.
The first building was created at the times of Peter.
Later it was reconstructed many times by different architects, who added a lot to the
beauty of the palace.
Nowadays it is a huge palace with two annexes on both sides and with the total length of
the facade of 300 meters. The Grand Cascade serves as a gorgeous pedestal of the palace.
2. Catherine's Block.
Catherine's Block was a small building which was used as a place for balls,
mascarades and playing cards. The famous architect Rastrelli
constructed this residence bu later it was completely reconstructed.
It was built for the Empress Elizabeth, but later it was called after Catherine
the Great as her husband Peter III used to keep her there as a prisoner. In this particular palace Catherine planned
the plot against her husband Peter III.
3. Fountain "Grand Cascade".
This fountain ensebmble is considered to be one of the biggest fountains in the world.
The Cascade together with the Grand palace
create a single entity. The whole ensemble consists of 64 fountains, 255 bronze sculptures,
bareliefs and other decorative parts. The Cascade
has got three waterfall staircases, which are united by the grotto with five arches.
On both sides of the grotto
there are two cascade staircases, which are decorated with statues and vases.
In the middle of the whole ensemble one can see the
statue of Samson tearing the jaws of a lion.
Transport:
By car/bus: Peterhof is accessible by road, the distance
from Saint-Petersburg is about 25 km.
Opening hours: daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Grand Palace is closed: on Monday and on last Tuesday of each month.
The museum closes at 4.00 pm on holidays and preceding days
Timetable is subject to change without prior notice.
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