PETRODVORETS
Petrodvorets (also called Peterhof) is the most famous summer residence of Russian emperors. It is located 25 km west on the Gulf of Finland. Its history begins in 1704 when Peter I built a wooden house on the Gulf. In 1723 the enlarged palace became official summer residence, later it was expanded by Empress Elizabeth and called Grand Summer Palace.
The architectural ensemble of Peterhof includes Upper and Lower Parks with more than 170 fountains and 4 cascades as well as several smaller palaces. These are Monplaisir palace with adjoining Catherine's Wing, Assembly Building with Imperial Bathrooms and Kitchen, the Hermitage Pavilion and Chateau de Marly, on the western edge of the park.
The system of fountains was built in 1722. The intricate system of pipes stretches for nearly 22 km. The water flows downhill by force of gravity while the fountains operate according to the principle of communicating vessels. In both artistry and engineering the fountains of Peterhof are truly unique.
Open 10:30 - 18:00. Grand Summer Palace is closed on Mondays and last Tuesday of the month. Monplaisir - on Wednesday and the last Thursday.
