Petrodvorets is the place to visit especially during summer when the
fountains are operating. In good weather it is well worth spending an entire day here,
enjoying the various palaces, the parks and the sea view.
The history of Petrodvorets (called Peterhoff until 1944) begins in 1704 when Peter I
built a wooden house on the Gulf while overseeing the construction of the nearby Kronstadt
Fortress. In 1713 he began transforming the area into an imperial residence. The palace
was inaugurated in 1723 and later expanded by Empress Elizabeth.
The Grand Palace dominates the estate. It is filled with lavish rooms and galleries. Most of the emperors and empresses used the palace for functions and official purposes.
Petrodvorets includes several other mini-museums of interest: Monplaisir Palace, which Peter preferred to the Grand Palace; the Chateau de Marly, on the western edge of the park, is the former guest house in the Louis XIV style; the nearby Hermitage Pavillion, which also has nice views and artwork.
The extensive reconstruction works which lasted for more than five years
bring again to life 144 fountains and four cascades. The waterworks for the system of
fountains was built in 1721 and 1722.
The intricate system of pipes and ducts of this masterpiece of the 18th-century fountain
construction 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 Petrodvorets are truly unique.
Now after the reconstruction visitors can see the “heart” of the Grand Cascade, the design of the original piping system. From the Upper Grotto which may be entered from the Grand Palace one can enjoy the view of how the fountains are being started.
The spacious room of the Upper Grotto (which can seat 120 persons) is an ideal location not only for having an ordinary glass of champagne while enjoying the fountains but for any private special event / dinner or theme party in Summer especially during the period of White Nights. A special starting of all fountains may also be arranged during the event.
Open 11:00 - 18:00. Note: All palaces have different days-off
