Peterhof Palace
No photography allowed in the palace. However the grand halls, rooms and staircases were fairly similar to the Catherine Palace. This is another palace commissioned by Peter the Great in the early 18th century.
This palace was totally destroyed by the Germans in WWII. It has been rebuilt since to its former glory.
The approach via the back of the palace hid the surprise of the magnificent theatrical terraces.
The Grand Cascade and the Sea Channel.
With the Peterhof, it is the fountains and gardens that are most spectacular, rather than the palace itself.
This is a view from the terraces of the Grand Cascade leading to the Gulf of Finland.
The Grand Cascade with the Samson Fountain
There are no pumps to the fountains, they are all gravity fed. This is particularly impressive when you see how many fountains there are and that the Samson fountain alone is 20m high.
The Bowl Fountains
The Chessboard Hill Cascade. I obviously had to have my photo taken here.
The Sun Fountain. The central spout turned round like a catherine wheel.
The Orangery Fountain
A smaller version of the Samson fountain where we had a nice bite to eat.
You get the idea – a lot of fountains in these gardens, all gravity fed.
The Roman Fountains
The Water Surprise
Apparently Peter the Great had a sense of humour as he had a couple of these surprise fountains which are set off if you step on certain trigger stones. Needless to say the kids enjoyed jumping on the stones to find out which ones would set off the water jets!
Another delightful fountain, particularly for the kids was the Duck Fountain
The Trick Fountains
Artificial trees with water spurting from every branch.
What a lovely setting for a wedding reception.
