2012, SEPTEMBER 5: RUSSIA, ST. PETERSBURG - PETERHOF IMPERIAL RESIDENCE

Imperial summer residences of Peterhof and Pushkin were on our sightseeing schedule today. Both are situated outside the city limits. First we headed to Peterhof.

Originally, Peter the Great had built the Monplaisir Palace here.

Monplaisir Palace, St. Petersburg



Monplaisir Palace & the Gulf of Finland



Located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the Monplaisir is an unassuming baroque mansion. 







But it is complete with park, gardens, and fountains, which use gravity to bring water to them from the springs located on the higher side of the site.

Monplaisir Palace, St. Petersburg 

Monplaisir Palace, St. Petersburg

Monsplaisir also had some trick fountains. One trick fountain turned on as soon as someone stepped on the stones to reach the nearby benches to sit on them. The other went on when someone attempts check out the out-of-season tulips. Either way, the unsuspecting guest got drenched with the sudden shower of water!

 A Trick Fountain, Monsplaisir Palace, St. Petersburg

Peter’s granddaughter, Empress Elizabeth expanded the park and the fountain system. Further expansions and additions were brought about later by other czars.

Today this large estate contains other buildings, gardens, pavilions and avenues as well.

 

Grand Palace, Peterhof, St. Petersburg



 

 

 

Sculptured Gardens, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sculptured Gardens. Peterhof, St. Petersburg

 

Sculptured Gardens. Peterhof, St. Petersburg 

 

 

 

Eve Fountain, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

 Gazebo, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

 An Avenue, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

The breathtaking central part of the fountain system, which is known as the Great Cascade, unites 64 fountains, 255 sculptures and decorative elements, and is one of the best features of this palace.
 

Great Cascade, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

 Great Cascade, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

 Great Cascade, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

Great Cascade, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

 

The Great Cascade terminates into a canal, which is lined on both sides with more fountains.

 

 Canal lined with fountains, Peterhof, St. Petersburg

 

This pride and joy of the Romanov Royals was badly ravaged during the WWII. But it was one of the first projects to be renovated. All renovations were completed by 1947.

 

To add to the pleasant experience of the tourists, there were individuals dressed in period costumes to pose with them for photos, but for a price.

 

And, like everywhere, along with tourists, there were also vendors selling all kind of souvenirs.