Overview:

Peterhof Palace and Gardens is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Russia. It is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, west of St. Petersburg, and is a grand example of Russian imperial grandeur. The palace, designed by the renowned French architect Rastrelli, was created for the Russian Tsar Peter I and is a perfect blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The palace and grounds boast a plethora of magnificent fountains, terraces, ponds and paths in a stunning setting of greenery, and sights include a Grand Palace, Grand Cascade (numerous cascading waterfalls), the Samson Fountain, Judith's Grotto, the Monplaisir Palace, Marly Palace, and a astonishing collection of outdoor sculptures. Visitors can stroll the grounds and marvel at the sheer luxury and decadence of the Imperial Russian court. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Russia
Prominent Features:

The Peterhof Palace and Gardens are a series of palaces and gardens located in the Saint Petersburg suburb of Petrodvorets, Russia. The palace is also known as the “Russian Versailles” owing to its spectacular Baroque-style architecture. The palace was commissioned by Peter the Great in the early 18th century with designs by the renowned architect Domenico Trezzini and subsequent Baroque buildings by Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The grandly landscaped park contains dozens of fountains and sculptures, including the renowned Grand Cascade, which is a large fountain ensemble with over 150 individual jets. Another prominent feature of the estate is the Grand Palace, which is considered to be the chief residence of the Russian Emperors. It is characterized by its grand Neoclassical façade and a number of ornate rooms. Other important structures on the estate include the Monplaisir palace, the Lower and Upper parks, the Marly Palace, the Secret Garden, the Menshikov Palace, and the Alexander Palace. The Peterhof Palace and Gardens are a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Russia.

History:

Peterhof Palace and Gardens in Russia have a long and detailed history. They were built in the early 18th century by the order of Peter I of Russia, also known as Peter the Great, as a summer palace and park for the royal family. In 1714, the first stone for the Palace was laid and it took 9 years to complete the construction. Since then, the palace has undergone several alterations and expansions. In 1723, Peter completed the Great Cascade fountain. In 1724, Peter appointed German architect Bartolomeo Francis Rastrelli to design the palace with French-style baroque and rococo architecture. The main palace was completed in 1725, and along with its gardens, it became the main summer residence for the royal family. The palace was the site of many grand galas over the years and during the 19th century, it was one of the summer destinations of the Russian Emperor. Visiting dignitaries also had the privilege of a stay at the palace. During World War II, the palace and the gardens were severely damaged by Nazi forces. After the war, the palace and gardens were painstakingly restored to their former glory. Today, these beautiful gardens and palaces are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Russia. Visit one of the famous monuments of Russia with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Peterhof Palace and Gardens, also known as Petrodvorets, is a grand royal estate located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. 2. It was commissioned by Russia’s Peter the Great in 1714 and was intended as a summer residence for the imperial court and visitors. 3. Peterhof Palace and Gardens is a magnificent complex comprising a palace, several smaller imperial palaces, gardens, and parks with spectacular fountains. 4. The most famous fountain of Peterhof is the Samson Fountain, which is powered by a special water system that was designed by Peter the Great’s master engineer, Mikhail Moshchenkov. 5. Peterhof is also the home of many other unique and intriguing water features, including 14 gilded sculptures, many of which were designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, a famous 18th-century architect. 6. The palace is also decorated with thousands of exquisite works of art, including those of world-renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens. 7. The vast estate boasts over 140 rooms, including the grand Vladimir Hall, which boasts the world’s largest ceiling fresco. 8. When Peter the Great died in 1725, he willed Peterhof Palace and Gardens to his wife Catherine the Great, who portrayed herself as an enlightened empress and a patron of the arts. 9. On September 21, 1780, Peterhof suffered a devastating fire, destroying much of the palace and the entire gardens. 10. After the fire, it was rebuilt and many of its buildings and gardens were reconstructed and decorated in the 19th century. One of the historical monuments of Russia, it tells the story of a bygone era