"Russian Versailles"

If you are going to Russia, don't forget to visit Saint-Petersburg with its wonderful palaces, parks and gardens, Peterhof is one of those places. Peterhof is also known as Petrodvorets and it's the most famous and popular tourist attraction in the country, often called the "Russian Versailles", Many visitors conclude that the comparison does a disservice to the grandeur and scope of this majestic estate.

The parks of Peterhof, created in the 19th century, represents a brilliant example of an interesting stage in development of Russian architecture and landscape art. The ensemble erected in the early 18th century on the bank of the Gulf of Finland is an original monument in the honour of the victory in the North War and coming of Russia to the Baltic Sea. The idea of creating of the ensemble, the basic planning design, the projects of art decoration belonged to Peter the Great.

This magnificent European palace-and-park complex comprising the Grand Palace is not particularly large, but it has an imposing façade and some stunning state rooms inside, One of these Palaces is Marly Palace a French-style building, inspired by the French royal hunting lodge at Marly le Roi, Peterhof Hermitage in the English style, Other examples are Monplaisir palace, Cottage Palace and Alexandria Park. Peterhof Park and Gardens was laid out over several generations, and covers a huge range of garden styles. The fountains of Peterhof are most famous for their remarkable array of decorative fountains, including the unmistakable and incredibly impressive ensemble of the Grand Cascade.

This complex was reconstructed after the Second World War. In 2003 Saint Peterburg celebrated its 300th anniversary. As a result, much of the building and statuary in Peterhof has been restored and new giftwork abounds. Nowadays the Peterhof State Museum-Reserve is subordinated to the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

The best time for visiting Petrodvorets is from May till the end of October, when the gardens are green and beautiful. All the fountains are open. So you can enjoy one of the greatest achievements of Russian national culture, a brilliant example of organic synthesis of architecture and sculpture, park and engineering art.