Peterhof Tourist Map

Description: This map shows palaces, parks, points of interest, museums, islands, ticket office, information desk, car parking, and fountains in Peterhof Palace (Saint Petersburg).

Description: This map shows palaces, parks, points of interest, tourist attractions and sightseeings in Peterhof (Saint Petersburg).

About Peterhof Palace

Peterhof Palace, located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is a series of palaces and gardens commissioned by Peter the Great in 1709. Often referred to as the "Russian Versailles," it served as a summer residence for Russian emperors. The palace complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.

Construction of the Grand Palace began in 1714 and was initially designed by Jean-Baptiste Le Blond and Johann Friedrich Braunstein. The palace was expanded significantly under Empress Elizabeth, who ordered the reconstruction of the Grand Palace between 1747 and 1752. The most prominent architect of this period was Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who created the magnificent Baroque style that characterizes much of the palace today.

The palace complex's most famous feature is the Grand Cascade, consisting of 64 different fountains and over 200 bronze statues. The central statue depicts Samson tearing open a lion's jaws, symbolizing Russia's victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War. What makes the fountain system particularly remarkable is that it operates without the use of pumps, instead utilizing a natural gravity-fed water system from springs located in the upper gardens.

The complex includes several noteworthy structures besides the Grand Palace. The Monplaisir Palace, Peter the Great's favorite residence, showcases his personal collection of paintings and serves as an example of Dutch architectural influence. The Marly Palace and Hermitage Pavilion are smaller but equally elegant buildings within the grounds.

During World War II, German forces occupied Peterhof, causing extensive damage to the palaces and gardens. The Nazi army looted many artifacts and destroyed numerous architectural elements. After the war, Soviet restorers undertook a massive restoration project, which continued for decades. Many of the original fountains, statues, and interior decorations were recreated based on historical documentation and photographs.

Today, Peterhof attracts over 4.2 million visitors annually. The Lower Park features 150 fountains that operate daily from May to October. The interior of the Grand Palace displays an impressive collection of 18th-century paintings, furniture, and decorative arts. The palace complex remains one of Russia's most popular tourist destinations and serves as a museum of Russia's imperial history.