The world famous palaces, parks and architectural ensembles of Petrodvorets are excellent examples of the Russian art of the 18-th -19-th centuries. Every year, more than three million people visit "the Capital of Fountains" –  the town of Petrodvorets.

The world famous palaces and parks of Petrodvorets (until 1944 – Peterhof) located 29 kilometers away from St. Petersburg are among the masterpieces of Russian culture. This is an example of a wonderful combination of architecture, sculpture, landscaping and engineering. Founded at the beginning of the 18-th century on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, Petrodvorets became a kind of monument to Russia 's victory in the Northern War and gaining access to the Baltic Sea. The idea and original design of this unique architectural ensemble were those of Peter the Great.

he construction of the official summer residence of the Czar began in 1714, and the opening ceremony took place on August 15, 1723 . By that time, principal parts of the composition of the Upper Garden and the Lower Garden had been formed, the Grand Palace, the Grand Cascade and the Monplaisir Palace had been constructed. To supply water to the fountains of Petrodvorets, and, first of all, to the fountains of the Grand Cascade, a network of water pipes and water reservoirs had been designed by the Russian hydraulic engineer Vasily Tuvolkov and constructed in 1720-1721. The principal characteristic feature of the Peterhof system of water supply is the absence of water pumps: the water reservoirs are just located higher than the fountains. The construction of Peterhof continued for about two centuries. The town grew and was decorated with the new works of architects and sculptors. This great architectural complex was constructed by thousands of hired workers, serfs, soldiers and craftsmen who came here from all parts of Russia  talented marble carvers and foundry workers, parquet makers and goldsmiths, wood carvers and painters. Beginning from the 1750s, new residences of the Czars and Grand Dukes appeared around the parks designed by Peter the Great. These were the Private Country House, the English Park, Alexandria and Znamenka.

After the 1917 revolution, the historical landmarks of Peterhof became the State property and were transformed into architectural museums and art museums.

The architectural ensemble of Peterhof was seriously damaged during World War II. The Nazi army was approaching, and very little time remained to evacuate the museum exhibits and to cover the park sculptures with the earth. It was impossible to evacuate and to hide everything: on September 23, 1941 Nazi entered Peterhof.

For two years and six months, Peterhof was occupied by Nazi. They ruined Grand Palace and the Grand Cascade, the English Palace and the Marly Palace. The Monplaisir Palace and the Hermitage Palace were seriously damaged. Thousands of trees were cut, the hydraulic structures were exploded, several bronze statues of the Grand Cascade were stolen, many works of art were stolen or destroyed.

When Petrodvorets was liberated in 1944, its palace and park ensemble, in fact, did not exist. But the creative work of talented restorers allowed to revive Petrodvorets.

At present, Peterhof with its beautiful fountains, parks and palaces, became the most attractive palace ensemble located in the environs of the Northern Capital of Russia. You are sure to enjoy a visit to Peterhof and to admire its magic beauty.

Assembly.M Tour Company

Hours

Winter time

The Great Palace:
Daily except Monday and the last Tuesday of each month, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (the booking-office closes at 5:00 p.m.)

The Monplaisir Palace, the Grottos, and the Chapel are closed for visitors.

The other museums are open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Summer time (from May to October)

Daily except Monday and the last Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (the booking-office closes at 5:00 p.m.)


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