Peterhof (Russia). Fountains, palaces and parks
ByTatyana Kogut
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Located 30 kms from the downtown of St.-Petersburg, Peterhof, which Russians also call 'Petrodvoréts' ("Peter's Palace") is one of the most refined and best known parks of the world. It could undoubtedly be called the main jewel in the “pearl necklace of St.-Petersburg”, as the city’s suburbs are often called.
The history of this place is connected with the name of Peter the Great, whose aim was to build a residence which would be no less luxurious than the French Versailles. Moreover, this ensemble is a triumphant monument which celebrates the final of Russia’s struggle to get the outlet to the Baltic sea. Regular parks, 144 fountains and 3 cascades, gilded statues of gods and ancient heroes, magnificent palaces – this is what Peterhof is. That is why when being in St.-Petersburg, a visit to Peterhof is a must.
The emperor Peter the Great himself was the “architect” for the parks. The evidence for this are numerous drawings made by Peter. Probably this is the reason why Peterhof was built “like a shot”: plans to erect the complex were first mentioned in 1705, and in 1723 there was the grand opening of Peterhof. By that time the Lower Gardens, Sea Channel, the palaces of Monplaisir and Marly and some fountains appeared on the territory. The coastal residence enraptured Europe no less than the new capital – St.-Petersburg.
It was nonrandom that this territory was chosen for the ensemble: several underwater reservoirs found here were excellent for the new fountain complex. Even now those are used to “nourish” the fountains. During the summer of 1721 there were several locks and a channel constructed that brought water to the Upper garden. Here one can find medium fountains. The Lower Gardens were quite a different thing. They are situated at the terrace’s foot, and water gets here from the Upper Gardens. Fountains of the Lower Gardens are higher and more impressive.
Hundreds of various fountains are the pride of Peterhof, they add to the ensemble’s beauty. The most known and most impressive is the Grand Cascade, created by the project of Peter the Great. This is one of the most magnificent fountains in the world – it looks like a big grotto with fountain stairs on its sides. The most vivid symbol that marks the Russian victory over Sweden is the Samson Fountain, which was erected 25 years after the victory. All these sumptuous decorations were aimed to demonstrate the wealth and glory of the country that managed to “hack a window to Europe”.
The most important names connected with the history of Peterhof are: Braunstein, Zemtsov, Leblond, Adam Menelas, Rastrelli, Ustinov and others. As said above, the ensemble consists of two green massifs: The Upper Gardens and the Lower Gardens. The go-between that links these gardens is The Grand Palace.
The Great Patriotic War was severe to Peterhof. The town occupation lasted almost three years, and great damage was caused to the ensemble during the period, The Grand Palace was exploded and burnt, underwater water pipes destroyed, parks cut down and mined, many statues carried away. But luckily, restoration started right after war, so nowadays we can admire its beauty again.
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