Are you going to the northern capital of Russia? Then the list of attractions that you are going to visit should definitely include the residence built by Peter I. In order to see the fountains of Peterhof, even foreigners strive to get here. After all, sculptures of stunning beauty and long ponds are combined so perfectly that they can leave an unforgettable impression on every person.
Secrets of Creation
The fountains of Peterhof are not without reason called one of the most exquisite in the world. And the idea of creating this “water” complex appeared a very long time ago - about three centuries ago, with Emperor Peter I. Having obtained access to the sea, he thought about building a complex of fountains next to the Gulf of Finland, which would certainly strike the imagination of every foreigner.
The fountains of Peterhof would not be complete without a unique conduit, the idea of which belongs to the engineer Vasily Tuvolkov. It's under himthe leadership built locks and the canal itself, through which water flowed from reservoirs to the pools of the Upper Garden, and then to the fountains in the Lower Park. The length of all channels in Peterhof is about 50 kilometers. In addition, there are a lot of ponds here.
This water supply system has its own little secret. And it lies in the fact that there are no pumps or water facilities. How then does water get into the fountains of Peterhof? Everything is very simple. It is based on the principle of communicating vessels. The fact is that ponds and fountains are located at different levels. But it would be impossible to create it without using the natural features of the area on which Peterhof was built. This suggests that Peter I chose this place to build his residence not without reason. Initially, there were several reservoirs that beat with keys from underground.
Amazing cascade
The grandest view opens from the terrace next to the Grand Palace. A panorama of the Grand Cascade and the canal appears before your eyes. And in the distance you can even see the sea.
The construction of this cascade lasted a century. In total, it included 64 fountains and 255 sculptures. And no one counted how many different decorative elements there are. The main idea of this complex of fountains is to glorify Russia, which was able to get access to the B altic Sea.
The fountains in Peterhof have a certain meaning and their own legend. For example, the unique monuments that were erected at the very beginning of construction - "Eve" and "Adam". They are located near Marlinskaya Alley, and are very similar in design. There are marble statues of the biblical progenitors of mankind in the pools of eight sides, they are surrounded on all sides by powerful jets of water. Adam and Eve are, according to the architect, Peter I and Catherine I, who became the progenitors of the Russian Empire.
A very original fountain called "The Sun". It can be found next to Monplaisir Palace. A special bronze column topped with a small ball with 187 holes is installed on the pedestal. From them, like the sun's rays, trickles of water beat. And dolphins bask under the sun, which also emit fountain jets.
In general, each such "water" sculpture has its own story, and each fountain here deserves attention. You can buy an excursion where you will be told in detail about the fountains of Peterhof. The complex is open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and on weekends - until 19:00.
