Peterhof is a small town built in the 18th century by Peter the Great, on the outskirts of St Petersburg. It is also home to one of the most magnificent parks in Russia. Peterhof, Petrodvorets, the capital of fountains and Peter’s Manor are the names of this place. Stepping into the grandeur of Peterhof Palace and gardens was like entering a fairytale realm. From the moment I set foot in its magnificent gardens, I felt transported to a world of opulence and history. Let me take you on a journey through my visit to this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Peterhof is the Russian Versailles.
Peterhof palace and gardens was conceived as a luxurious summer royal residence. Peter the Great wanted to outdo the famous French Versailles and, you know, he succeeded. 300 years ago, Versailles was considered the most beautiful palace, but Peter the Great built a palace at least as good.
The work on the estate was carried out at a frantic pace and now these fountain cascades are considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The sculptures here depict ancient gods covered in real gold. Sensitive people in sunny weather even complain that it hurts to look at them. The bright sun, the canal…this park is simply hypnotising…..
One of the highlights of my visit was undoubtedly the Grand Cascade, a series of cascading fountains that lead from the palace down to the Gulf of Finland. Watching the water dance and sparkle in the sunlight was a truly mesmerizing experience.
The amazing thing is that in the work of fountains do not use any pump, all the water flows down due to the difference in pressure level and height. Although it is a well-known fact, but it is somehow hard to believe.
The most important fountain in the park is Samson and the Lion. Samson symbolises Peter the Great, who broke the jaws of the Swedes. And the lion is the symbol of Sweden. Water flows down from the cascade into a pool decorated as a magical body of water, where pagan deities dwell along the banks.
The most elegant building in the park is the Great Peterhof Palace. And the most beautiful view faces the sea. The windows are decorated with moulded frames and the balconies with wrought patterned lattices.
If you want to know more about walking in the gorgeous Leningrad region, read my post about visiting medieval Vyborg.
Peterhof Gardens.
But it wasn’t just the palace itself that captured my imagination. The surrounding gardens were equally enchanting, with winding pathways, hidden alcoves, and secret gardens waiting to be discovered. I spent hours wandering through the maze of greenery, soaking in the beauty of my surroundings.
The park is divided into two parts – the Upper and Lower Gardens. The Upper consists of a rectangle with three sides enclosed by a fence, which, incidentally, was created by Bortolomeo Rastrelli.
There is perfect symmetry in everything. Five fountains feed the Grand Cascade. The most popular fountain is Neptune, which is decorated with numerous medieval sculptures.
The lower park is much larger in size than the upper park. Here, as there, there are sculptures, fountains and architectural monuments. There is also a large orangery, the Marly and Montplaisir palaces.
The lower part is planted with trees brought from different parts of the world. Famous masters have laid out here the best flower beds in the world. Peterhof gardens have always been meticulously maintained. Just think how much effort it takes to keep the park perfectly clean. How much effort it takes to keep everything trimmed and cleaned. The finest plants should always bloom, the palace should have the finest furniture, and the finest delicacies should be served at dinners.
Today, however, all the beauty is decorated in the spirit of the time. After the war, the park was recreated bit by bit.
As I reluctantly made my way back to the entrance, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such beauty and history firsthand. Peterhof Palace truly is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and natural beauty, and I feel privileged to have had the chance to explore its wonders.
Want to know more about the neighbourhood of St. Petersburg? Click here for recommendations about visiting Monrepos Park.
How to get to Peterhof.
You can get to Peterhof palace and gardens from St Petersburg by electric train from the Baltic railway station. They run at an interval of an hour. And the road to the park will take 30 minutes.
I highly recommend travelling around St. Petersburg and its surroundings with your own transport, as this is one of the districts where it is easiest to get around by car! Especially since many of the attractions are quite far from each other. Don’t have your own car? Why not rent one for a day or two? You can check prices and availability here.
Address: 2, Razvodnaya Street, Petrodvorets. Official website: en.peterhofmuseum.ru.
Check Aviasales to find the cheapest airfares to Petersburg if you’re travelling from another country.
Top hotels near Peterhof palace and gardens.
If you’re planning a visit to the breathtaking Peterhof Palace, renowned for its stunning gardens and grandeur, you’ll want a place to stay that matches its splendor. Luckily, there are several top-notch hotels in close proximity to Peterhof, ensuring your stay is as memorable as your sightseeing. Here are some of the best hotels near Peterhof palace and gardens:
Grand Peterhof Spa Hotel: Nestled amidst lush greenery, Grand Peterhof Spa Hotel offers luxury and tranquility. With elegantly appointed rooms, an onsite spa, and gourmet dining options, this hotel provides the perfect retreat after exploring the nearby attractions.
New Peterhof Hotel: Boasting a prime location just a stone’s throw away from Peterhof Palace, New Peterhof Hotel impresses with its modern amenities and impeccable service. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a fitness center, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Imperial Belveder: Offering a blend of luxury and history, Imperial Belveder is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building, just a short drive from Peterhof Palace. Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine at the onsite restaurant and unwind in the lush gardens surrounding the hotel.
Click here to read the full post about the most beautiful places in St Petersburg.
If you ever find yourself in St. Petersburg, I highly recommend taking the time to visit Peterhof Palace and gardens.
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