The emergence of Peterhof dates from the early eighteenth century, when Peter the Great, along with the construction of the new capital, established a country residence, Peterhof, intended for amusements and modeled on Versailles, the famous residence of the French king Louis XIV.. In 1715 the Grand Palace was laid down on a hill and the construction of the Monplaisir Palace began. The laying out of the Upper and Lower Parks on the loamy soil prevalent around the palace demanded great efforts and large expenses. Fountains, "the soul of gardens", were built in the Lower Park during the laying out of the area.
The beauty of the park depends largely on the features of the terrain. The advantageous position of the palace soaring on the natural elevation is emphasized by the two terraces and two large-scale staircases, which are crossed by the Great Cascade with the Sea Canal running to it. The proximity of the sea gives an impression that the fountains were produced by nature itself. The central sculptural group Samson Tearing Open the Jaws of a Lion is dedicated to the battle of Poltava, the decisive battle of the Northern War. The system supplying the Peterhof fountains with water, built in the early eighteenth century, is truly unique. Unlike Western European parks where water is supplied with the help of machines, engineers have employed at Pavlovsk the natural downward slope of the terrain towards the sea.
The thrust of water is so powerful that the jet of the central fountain spurts out for 22 metres. In addition to numerous fountains in the Lower Park you will find the Palace of Monplaisir (earliest structure), the Hermitage, the Marle Palace, the Catherine’s Pavilion and the Bath Complex. Despite all the damage done to the Grand Palace and other palaces during WWII, their interiors were meticulously restored to their former glory and are truly breathtaking. In the summer you have an opportunity to take hydrofoil to travel to Peterhof or back to Saint-Petersburg (to the Winter Palace).
It is the most impressive and enjoyable way to get here, which takes about 50 minutes.
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