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Peterhof (full name – Peterhof Palace and Park Ensemble) is a unique complex of beautiful fountains and no less beautiful palaces, which completely immerses the visitor in the brilliant palace atmosphere of the 18th and 19th centuries. This is, without a doubt, the main attraction of St. Petersburg, which always attracts a lot of both Russian and foreign tourists. But where is Peterhof and how this amazing complex was built.
Brief historical information about Peterhof
Peterhof begins its history at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, when Peter the Great, in honor of the victory over Sweden, ordered to create his summer residence on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, which at the same time was to serve as a majestic monument in honor of an equally great victory.
According to Peter's plan, his residence was supposed to be the most luxurious among all European ones, and for this, in addition to the construction of palaces, it was decided to create a complex of a number of fountains, which aimed to make a stunning impression on guests.
It is worth considering that at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, there was still a very long time before the invention of electric pumps, with the help of which it was possible to create the necessary pressure for the functioning of fountains. Nevertheless, engineers under the general leadership of the talented Russian hydraulic engineer of German origin Khristofor Minikh have designed an amazing cascade of fountains that work without any pumps, only due to the natural inflow of water.
Over the following years, Peterhof was gradually renovated. After the October Revolution, in 1918, it was turned into a museum.
With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, part of the equipment and property of Peterhof was evacuated. Nevertheless, Peterhof was occupied by German troops and, subsequently, during the hostilities, it was almost completely destroyed.
After the war, the restoration of the complex began, which has not been completely completed to this day.
Composition of the palace and park ensemble
The main attraction of Peterhof is, of course, the complex of fountains. The main acoustic effect of visiting Peterhof is the constant noise of falling water created by numerous fountains.
Each fountain is a real work of art, which is decorated with gilded statues. The most famous of them is the statue of Samson tearing open the mouth of a lion, while a fountain of water shoots out of the lion's mouth. This fountain was created in honor of Russia's victory over Sweden in the Battle of Poltava, where Samson represents the Russian Empire and the lion, respectively, Sweden.
The fountains themselves are combined into cascades, the most impressive of which are Chess Mountain, Golden Mountain, and Lion Cascade.
But Peterhof is not only famous for its fountains. There are also magnificent palaces here: the Great Peterhof Palace, Montplaisir and the Hermitage Pavilion (this is the second Hermitage, the main one is located in St. Petersburg itself), as well as the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
Tourists should note that in some places of Peterhof there are so-called "joke fountains" in the form of metal Christmas trees or benches, which can unexpectedly splash the visitor with water.
How to get to Peterhof
The fastest way is on the high-speed "Meteor", which departs from the Dvortsova embankment, not far from the Hermitage. It is only half an hour on the way. But you can get to Peterhof by water only during the navigation period, which lasts from May to September.
In addition, you can get to Peterhof from St. Petersburg by train or bus.
Despite the fact that part of the "Peterhof" complex is open 11 hours a day, it is best to visit it in the summer, since the fountains do not work in the winter. You can enjoy the view of numerous cascades from fountains in the period from May to the beginning of October. The fountains are open from 00:18 a.m. to 00:XNUMX p.m.
Why it is necessary to visit Peterhof
In a short article, it is simply impossible to fully list all the beauty of Peterhof. Fountains, palaces, a sea canal, magnificent parks - all this creates an unsurpassed festive atmosphere that envelops every visitor. There is no other complex in the world that is similar in scale and beauty.
