The State Museum-Reserve Peterhof, located not far from St. Petersburg, is known throughout the world. This is a real masterpiece and a great achievement of Russian architecture. On a vast territory there are several luxurious palaces, fountains and water cascades, landscaped parks. Peterhof Palace Park is popular with tourists from all over the world. Often, guests from other countries come to Russia just to see this miracle with their own eyes.
History of the architectural and park complex
The first mention of Peterhof in historical sources dates back to 1705. At that time it was just a pier from which one could get to Colin Island and the "travel yard". In 1712, at the direction of Peter I, the construction of a pompous summer residence began; the Grand Palace was founded in 1714. Peterhof was chosen as a place to create a unique complex for a reason. Peter the Great wanted to have a residence more beautiful than Versailles. The landscape in this area allowed the construction of water systemscascades and fountains that can work around the clock during the season. The Peterhof Palace Park was built and rebuilt from the 18th to the 20th century, and each subsequent emperor added something of his own. After the events of 1917, the complex of parks, gardens and palaces was opened to the people as a museum. To a large extent, the reserve was damaged during the Great Patriotic War, but after that it was carefully restored and opened its doors to visitors again.
Palaces of Peterhof
Experienced tourists say that even in a whole day it is impossible to see the entire territory and expositions of the palace and park ensemble. The central and most interesting object of the reserve is the Grand Palace. It was in it that members of the royal family lived and arranged chic receptions for several centuries. Several times the Grand Palace partially changed its appearance, and today its decoration can be traced to various periods of history. Peterhof Park, as you know, was founded by Peter the Great. The beloved palace of the great sovereign, Monplaisir (literally translated from French - “my pleasure”) has been preserved in it to this day. Most often, the emperor stayed here (in the modern exhibition you can see many personal belongings of Peter the Great). During a walk around Peterhof, tourists can also see the Catherine's building, built for receptions and balls during the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna, and the Marley Palace, built to accommodate distinguished guests.
Lower Park and Upper Garden
It is believed that the Peterhof reserve has gained worldwide fame precisely because of its Lower Park. It was originally decorated in a trendy French style (regular). Even during the time of Peter the Great, even geometric paths, beautiful pavilions, evenly trimmed trees and shrubs appeared here. The park has many sculptures and fountains. A straight line of the sea channel stretches from the Grand Palace to the bay, dividing the green zone into two equal parts. The lower park of Peterhof is famous for its fountains. These are the cascade "Chessboard", "Sun", "Greenhouse Fountain", cascade "Golden Mountain" and some others. The upper garden was used for economic purposes until the second half of the eighteenth century. And only at a later time sculptures and fountains appeared here.
Cascades and fountains of the Upper Garden
The first fountain in the Upper Garden appeared in 1734. Initially, in its center stood a huge oak tree made of lead. Hence the name - "Oak". Today, the round pool is decorated with a gushing sculpture of Cupid taking off his mask. Incredibly spectacular looks "Neptune" - a fountain, opened in 1736. It was originally decorated with the Neptunov's Cart sculpture, but at the end of the 18th century it was replaced by a similar composition. Also in the Upper Garden you can see the fountains of Square Ponds and Mezheumny.
Peterhof (park): ticket prices and tourist information
How much does an excursion to this unique museum-reserve cost? For the convenience of tourists, it is offered separatelypurchase tickets for the Upper Garden / Grand Palace and Lower Park. The first tour will cost 400 rubles for Russian citizens and 550 rubles for guests from other countries. And how much does the entrance to the Lower Peterhof (park) cost? The cost of visiting for foreign tourists is 500 rubles, for Russian citizens - 300 rubles on weekdays and 400 rubles - on weekends.
Discounts are provided for children, students, pensioners and other categories of beneficiaries. To purchase an entrance ticket at a reduced price, you must present documents confirming the right to receive a discount.
Attention: the fountains are open from May 9 to the end of September, their opening and closing is celebrated in a solemn atmosphere. Peterhof Park is open daily until 19:00. On weekdays, the fountains are turned off at 17:00, and on weekends - when the territory is closed to visitors.
