ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

A drive of approximately one hour will transfer us to Peterhof – the town of palaces, fountains and parks and the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Peterhof was conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in splendour. Indeed several hours could be spent enjoying the extravaganza of the dazzling fountain display.

A drive of approximately one hour will transfer us to Peterhof – the town of palaces, fountains and parks and the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Peterhof was conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in splendour. Indeed several hours could be spent enjoying the extravaganza of the dazzling fountain display. Peterhof was officially opened in 1721. Crowning the hill is Peter’s Grand Palace, commanding a magnificent view over the Lower Park and the Gulf beyond. The palace has changed considerably over the decades: some of the rooms are in Rastrelli’s flamboyant Baroque style, others the later reworking of Velten (Rastrelli’s assistant). We will ascend the main staircase, adorned with gilded carvings, that leads into a suite of staterooms. The staterooms are sumptuously appointed, especially the opulent Throne Room used in the past for great receptions and official ceremonies. We will see Peter’s Oak Study, one of the few rooms to have survived unaltered. After leaving the Grand Palace we shall enjoy a truly breathtaking view of the Grand Cascade, the chief delight of the grounds. The Grand Cascade comprises three waterfalls and a stunning avenue of 64 fountains and 37 gilded statues. A true wonder of engineering, the fountains are fed by underground springs of the Ropsha Hills some 21 kilometres (13 miles) away. A great variety of fountains can be found in the Lower Park – including the Chess Board Hill cascade, Adam and Eve Fountains, and the Sun Fountain – all of which are fed naturally by gravity. The largest fountain of Peterhof is Samson Rending the Jaws of a Lion – a symbolic representation of Russia’s victory over Sweden in the Northern War. The complete Peterhof estate was occupied during World War II and the fountains were destroyed, but since then nearly all the damage has been repaired. What we see nowadays is a splendid post-war restoration. This can also be said of the palace. Inside, photographs show the extent of the devastation.

This tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility, or wheelchair users. There is a lot of walking required and approximately 120 steps to negotiate. There are no lifts in the Grand Palace of Peterhof. It should be noted that slippers/over shoes have to be worn over our outdoor shoes, to protect the flooring, when visiting the Grand Palace – extra care should be taken as this will make the floor surface more slippery. There is usually a charge to use toilet facilities – in 2007 this was 50 cents ($ / €). Please note that it cannot be guaranteed that the fountains will be functioning during our visit.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES