Peterhof, Russia is a small suburb of the former Imperial capitol of Russia. It is located a pleasant one hour hydro-foil ride across a portion of the Baltic Sea from St. Petersburg. In the winter one needs to go by electric train or by some sort of wheeled transport. It is a fact that Peterhof has literally thousands of sister city relationships across the world. Peter I started it all when he chose the spot on which his palace rests as a recreational spot when sailing the Baltic. It is for sure that once upon a time it was a favorite spot for him to use as a duck hunting spot. His interest in Peterhof began in 1705 and in 1714 he began to build his fabulous palace complex. On 15 August, 1723, Peter celebrated the opening of the grand cascade and the sixteen fountains that to this day still dominate the landscape. In the last three hundred years ongoing work has made this one of the most famous in the world. The palace is a fantastic and beautiful example of Russian Baroque architecture filled with beautiful rooms and marvelous art. From the very beginning Peterhof was a source of amazement to both foreign visitors and Russian alike. I have been there on dozens of occasions and in all seasons of the year. I have never been disappointed and felt as if I had seen enough of this spectacular setting. As beautiful and endearing as the palace is what makes this one of the finite wonders of the world is the ingenuity and planning that went into the magnificent fountains and the grounds. The grounds are a marvelous combination of nature allowed to flourish and grow in a natural state mixed with the most beautifully groomed formal gardens one could hope to see. Peter and later Tsars were well served by some of the most talented architects that ever lived. The illustrious list includes Alexander Le Blond, Johann Braunstein, Niccolo Michetti, and Mikhail Zemstov. The grounds are sprinkled with the sculptors of Carlo Bartolomeo Rastrelli and one of the greatest fountain masters of all time, Paul Sualem. The fountains form a wonderful combination of whimsical and changing pattern of water jets and streams that culminate with the Samson Fountain and the Grand Cascade. The Grand Cascade consists of 241 statues and other forms of world class sculpture. Even though German invaders stole some of the most famous originals they have been painstakingly recreated. The Neptune Fountain in front of the palace is a little like the German fountain at Ludwigsberg but larger and more grand. The Monplaisir Complex consists of a number of small pavilions erected by Peter the Great and was one of his favorite recreational places. To be able to see this marvelous combination of architecture and nature in full bloom is a treat that makes the trip to Russia more than worth while. The same may be said of the brilliant fall colors and the stately white blanket of snow that covers everything in winter. There are several fish ponds built on the grounds as well as a small Hermitage. There are just too many beautiful features to list in this newsletter but believe me Peterhof must be seen to be believed! I only hope as many people that can go to Peterhof will take advantage of this marvelous opportunity. |
