Petergof was once the summer residence of Russian emperors and today stands as one of the most beautiful suburbs of St. Petersburg. Its rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination.
A Brief History of Petergof
The story of Petergof begins with the nearby Kronstadt fortress on Kotlin Island. In 1704, Tsar Peter I started building this fortress in the Gulf of Finland, often inspecting the site by land and boat. Near the pier, two wooden buildings were constructed for rest, and this area was called Petergof, meaning “Peter’s courtyard.”
Peter I also built a small stone palace called Monplaisir (“my pleasure”) on the Gulf’s shore, where he enjoyed views of the sea and Kronstadt fortress. In 1715, he began constructing the Grand Palace, situated on a hill, which became the centerpiece of the estate. Between the palace and the sea, a vast garden was laid out, inspired by French gardens near Paris.
By 1721, the first fountains in the Lower Park started functioning. Over the years, various rulers, including Empress Anna I and Elizabeth I, added their own touches — Elizabeth, for example, rebuilt the Upper Palace in Baroque style in 1746.
Although Catherine II preferred Tsarskoye Selo, she still invested in Petergof, building a road connecting St. Petersburg and Petergof, and completing the English Palace in 1791. Later emperors, especially Nicholas I, expanded and restored the estate, adding features like Alexandria Park and new cottages.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Petergof hosted notable guests such as the King of Siam, the German Kaiser, and French President Poincaré. The imperial family frequently visited, and the estate saw innovations like tennis courts, bike paths, and yacht clubs.
After the 1917 revolution, Petergof was turned into a museum. It suffered damage during World War II but was restored afterward.
Highlights of Petergof
Let’s take a closer look at some of the historic landmarks of Petergof.
Grand Peterhof Palace
Built starting in 1715, it was redesigned in Baroque style by Italian architect Rastrelli in the 18th century. The palace’s interiors are elegant, with notable rooms like Peter I’s Study. Restored after WWII, it now houses exhibitions open to visitors.
Lower Park and Fountains
Laid out in 1714, the gardens of Peterhof feature symmetrical alleys, fountains, canals, and pavilions. The Grand Cascade, built in 1723, is the most famous fountain ensemble, connecting to the Naval Canal. The cascade is decorated with numerous sculptures and water features, creating a majestic display.
Fountains and Waterworks
One of the most remarkable features of Petergof is its incredible system of fountains, which operate without pumps. Instead, they use a sophisticated gravity-fed water supply system designed by engineer Vasily Tuvolkov during Peter the Great’s reign. This system spans about 25 kilometers and delivers around 3,600 cubic meters of water per hour, powering dozens of fountains and cascades throughout the park.
The Fountains of Petergof include:
- The Samson Fountain: Perhaps the most famous of all, this monumental sculpture depicts the biblical hero Samson tearing open the jaws of a lion. It symbolizes Russia’s strength and victory, famously associated with the Battle of Poltava.
- Other notable fountains: The Roman Fountains, Adam Fountain, Chess Mountain Cascade, Eva Fountain, and the Golden Mountain Fountain are just a few examples of the park’s artistic and engineering marvels.
Monplaisir Palace
Peter the Great’s favorite retreat, built in Dutch style, where he hosted guests and relaxed. It contains rooms with early 18th-century interiors, Chinese porcelain, Dutch marine paintings, and Peter’s personal belongings.
Visiting Petergof
- Lower Park: Open from 09:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Grand Palace: Open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays and the last Tuesday of each month)
- Note: Hours may change, so check before your visit.
Petergof’s combination of stunning architecture, marvelous landscapes, and historical significance makes it a true highlight near St. Petersburg — a place where history and beauty flow together like the fountains themselves.
