Welcome to Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia. Located just 30 kilometers outside of St. Petersburg, Peterhof Palace and Park are a must-visit for anyone interested in Russian history, art, and architecture.
In this tourist guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park, including the sights you can see, how to get there, and some useful tips for planning your visit.
About Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park
Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their breathtaking fountains, impressive architecture, and beautiful gardens. The complex was built during the reign of Peter the Great, who envisioned a grand palace and park complex to rival the famous Palace of Versailles in France.
The construction of the palace and park complex took over 200 years, and the result is a stunning example of Russian Baroque architecture and garden design. Today, the complex is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Russia, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Sights to See
Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park have a wide variety of sights to see, including:
- The Grand Palace – The Grand Palace is the main attraction of the complex, with its impressive architecture, opulent interiors, and stunning views of the Gulf of Finland. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace to see its many treasures, including the Throne Room, the White Dining Room, and the Chesma Hall.
- The Lower Park – The Lower Park is a vast garden complex that features over 150 fountains, including the famous Grand Cascade, a three-tiered fountain that includes golden statues and water jets that shoot up to 20 meters in the air. Other notable fountains include the Samson Fountain and the Chess Mountain Fountain.
- The Upper Garden – The Upper Garden is a more formal garden that features manicured lawns, flower beds, and tree-lined paths. Visitors can also see the Marly Palace, a smaller palace that was built for Peter the Great’s wife, and the Roman Fountains, which were inspired by the fountains in Rome’s Villa Borghese.
- The Monplaisir Palace – The Monplaisir Palace is a smaller palace that was built for Peter the Great, and it features a more intimate, personal style of architecture and design. Visitors can see Peter the Great’s private chambers, including his bedroom, study, and dining room.
How to Get There
Getting to Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park is relatively easy, and there are several options available to visitors.
- By Car – Visitors can drive to Peterhof Palace and Park by taking the St. Petersburg Ring Road, which is a major highway that encircles the city. There is a large parking lot available for visitors, although it can get crowded during peak season.
- By Public Transportation – Visitors can take a bus or minibus from St. Petersburg to Peterhof Palace and Park. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, visitors can take a hydrofoil from St. Petersburg, which takes around 30 minutes and provides a scenic view of the Gulf of Finland.
- By Tour – Visitors can also take a guided tour of Peterhof Palace and Park, which typically includes transportation to and from the complex, as well as a guided tour of the sights.
Useful Tips for Visitors
To make the most of your visit to Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
Plan ahead – Peterhof Palace and Park can get very crowded during peak season, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance and plan your visit accordingly. Also, be sure to check the opening hours of the attractions, as they may vary depending on the season.
In the summer season, which is typically from May to September, the park is usually open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the Grand Palace is open from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Wear comfortable shoes – The complex is quite large, and there is a lot of walking involved, especially in the gardens. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the weather.
Bring a camera – There are many beautiful sights to see in Peterhof Palace and Park, and you’ll want to capture them on camera. Be sure to bring a camera with you and plenty of memory cards or film.
Follow the rules – There are certain rules and regulations in place to protect the attractions, such as not climbing on the fountains or picking flowers in the gardens. Follow these rules to help preserve the beauty of the complex for future generations.
In conclusion, Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park are a must-see for anyone interested in Russian history, art, and architecture. With its stunning fountains, impressive architecture, and beautiful gardens, the complex is a feast for the senses and a perfect destination for a day trip from St. Petersburg. Plan your visit ahead of time, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a camera to capture the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We hope this tourist guide has been helpful and informative, and we wish you a wonderful visit to Peterhof Palace and Peterhof Fountain Park.
