Overview:

Peterhof Palace, or Peterhof (Russian: Pа́лас Петерхо́ф, German: Peterhof), is a grand imperial palace located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, located on the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. It was constructed on the orders of Peter the Great by Italian architects Bartolomeo Rastrelli and Le Blond, and was originally intended to be a summer residence for the Russian Imperial Family. The palace complex consists of four main palace areas and two parks encompassing over 300 hectares of land. The famous gold-encrusted Grand Palace, which Peter the Great commissioned, features 250 staterooms and over 400 sculptures. The parks are home to fountains, canals, gardens, and other rich displays of art. Peterhof has served as a royal summer residence of the Tsars for more than two hundred years. It is now a popular tourist attraction and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Russia
Prominent Features:

The Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, is one of the most impressive and popular attractions in the country. Located near the Gulf of Finland, the palace was built by Tsar Peter the Great starting in 1714 and served as the summer residence of Russian Emperors for centuries. The palace is best known for its gorgeous gardens, which feature a system of canals, pavilions, and intersecting pools full of bronze and marble sculptures, including the iconic bronze fountain known as the “Grand Cascade.” Inside the palace, visitors can admire the breathtaking décor of its more than 40 lavishly decorated chambers, including a sophisticated ballroom, a Chinese study, a Marble Hall, and a picture gallery full of artwork by renowned Russian painters. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Russia.

History:

The Peterhof Palace was built by Peter the Great of Russia from 1714 to 1723 as a retreat and summer palace. The project was funded by the state, and the palace site was chosen by Peter himself, as he wanted the palace to be situated near the Baltic Sea. The design of the palace was influenced by the French Baroque style, and it is considered to be one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. The palace's most well-known feature is the Grand Cascade, a series of fountains connected by terraces and paths. The Cascade is connected to the picturesque avenues of the garden and it contains statues of cherubs, sphinxes and dragons. Peterhof also features a large park and some of the tallest outdoor statues in the world. In the 19th century, the Peterhof Palace was the main residence of the Russian imperial family. It served as a backdrop for state ceremonies and many lavish receptions and dinners. The palace also became home to the imperial collection of porcelain and clocks. However, during the 20th century the Peterhof Palace was heavily damaged and looted during the Russian Revolution and World War II. During the Soviet period the palace was restored to its splendor and in 1974 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Peterhof Palace is open to visitors and serves as a major tourist attraction. It is still home to the imperial collection of porcelain and clocks, as well as a museum and numerous other attractions. Visit one of the famous monuments of Russia with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Peterhof Palace was built by Peter the Great in 1723 and served as his summer residence. 2. Peterhof Palace is considered to be one of the most beautiful palaces in Russia and is sometimes referred to as the “Russian Versailles.” 3. In 1780, Catherine the Great commissioned the grand Cascade of Fountains at Peterhof Palace. The fountain system is composed of hundreds of individual cascades and fountains, many of which were gilded in gold. 4. Peterhof Palace is also home to the Grand Palace, Peterhof’s most impressive structure. It contains over 200 lavish rooms, many of which are decorated with extravagant furniture and pieces of art. 5. The palace is surrounded by an extensive park that features numerous sculptures, greenhouses, and beautiful gardens. 6. In addition, Peterhof Palace is known for its unique water landscape feature. The palace is connected to the palace’s immense fountain system. 7. In 1945, during the Second World War, the palace was bombarded by the Nazi Regime. Fortunately, the palace remained undamaged. 8. Over the years, Peterhof Palace has been restored and conserved to its original beauty. The grand Cascade of Fountains was entirely reconstructed in 2004. 9. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990 under the name, “Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments.” 10. Today, the palace is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by over 3 million people annually. One of the historical monuments of Russia, it tells the story of a bygone era