Русский
EnglishA half a day tour (6-6,5 hours).
Itinerary: introduction on the site during the travel to the Peterhof (1hr drive), inside visit to the Grand Palace, walk around the Lower Park with fountains.
The opinion poll conducted a few years ago showed that the Peterhof took the 1st place in the list of Russians’ creations; the 2nd was given to the natural sites like the Baikal Lake and the geyser valley in the Kamchatka region. 26mln of Russians voted for the Peterhof.
There’s the opinion that the Peterhof is the replica of the French Versailles, and it being proved by the fact that Peter the Great visited the Versailles to investigate it in 1717. But you should consider the point that Peter I, as a versatile person, created not the copy, rather than his own creation, utilizing the European engineering background.
In comparison to the French Versailles (a land residence), initially the Peterhof was constructed as the Maritime Residence and was given the name the Peterhof (“Courtyard of Peter the Great”, Dutch language).
It easily could be named the Sea Residence with a fantastic view overlooking the Finnish Gulf.
The main attraction is the Peter’s water system of 150 fountains, functioning by gravity force without any pumps, able to provide supply round the clock. A notable fact: the Versailles’ fountains are non-working at times.
Officially the Residence was opened in 1723, but after the death of Peter the Great it was neglected for 5 years. A new period of its reconstruction started in 1730 with the coronation of Ann I, who invited the architect Zemtsov to make renovations to the residence to create the modern look to the Residence.
The Nazis absolutely devastated the Residence during their occupation in 1941-43. Despite the greatest efforts the recreation passed over up to the 21st century.
The major events of the Peterhof are the holidays dedicated to the opening and closing of the fountains, happening in May and in September annually. Most colorful is the closing festival accompanied with fireworks, music and a laser show.
Please, note! One should have his\her ID passport for the tour!