Peterhof

---

Frommer's Moscow & St. Petersburg

Peterhof (Peter's court) was founded in 1714 by Peter the Great. The magnificent ensemble includes several palaces and large manicured gardens. The Lower Garden (RUB 400) lies between the Grand Palace (RUB 520) and the sea and boasts dozens of beautiful fountains. The Upper Garden (free) is a more formal garden with five fountains including one depicting Neptune, the God of the Sea. Peterhof's fountain system was designed in the 18th century and does not require the use of any pumps to operate the fountains.

The Grand Cascade, located in front of the Grand Palace, brings together 64 fountains and more than 200 sculptures. It features a golden statue of Samson grasping the mighty jaws of a lion. Numerous other fountains, both simple and complex, small and grand, can be found at Peterhof. The Pyramid Fountain is one of the most original ones: more than 500 water jets of various heights shape a tall pyramid.

As a visitors to Peterhof you will have to deal with crowds and the cost of seeing at least the most attractive sections of Peterhof (Entrance fees for Grand Palace and Lower Garden only amount to RUB 920, visiting any other building will be charged separately. Food and drinks are grossly overpriced so bring your own). However, the beauty of the gardens and the fountains makes for a memorable experience.

Peterhof is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, some 30km from Saint Petersburg. The best way to visit Peterhof is to take a hydrofoil from there (RUB 800). Visit on a sunny day since a major part of the experience is seeing the fountains in the extensive palace grounds.

---