Are you going to the northern capital of Russia? Then, the residence built by Peter I should definitely be on the list of attractions that you are going to visit . In order to see the fountains of Peterhof, even foreigners try to get here. After all, sculptures and long ponds of stunning beauty combine so perfectly that they can leave an unforgettable experience for every person.
Secrets of Creation
Peterhof fountains are not without reason the title of one of the most exquisite in the whole world. And the idea of creating this "water" complex appeared a long time ago - about three centuries ago, by Emperor Peter I. Having got access to the sea, he thought about building a complex of fountains near the Gulf of Finland that would certainly captivate the imagination of every foreigner.
Peterhof’s fountains would be incomplete without a unique water conduit, the idea of which belongs to engineer Vasily Tuvolkov. It was under his leadership that the locks and the canal itself were built, through which water flowed from reservoirs to the pools of the Upper Garden, and then to the fountains in the Lower Park. The length of all canals in Peterhof is about 50 kilometers. In addition, there are a lot of ponds.
Such a water supply system has its own little secret. And it consists in the fact that there are no pumps or water structures. How then does water penetrate the fountains of Peterhof? Everything is very simple. It is based on the principle of communicating vessels. The fact is that ponds and fountains are located at different levels. But it would be impossible to create without using the natural features of the area on which Peterhof is built. This suggests that Peter I chose this place for the construction of his residence for no reason. Here, initially there were several ponds that from the ground beat with keys.
Amazing cascade
The most spectacular view opens from the terrace next to the Grand Palace. Before the eyes there is a panorama of the Grand Cascade and the canal. And in the distance you can even see the sea.
The construction of this cascade lasted a century. In total, it included 64 fountains and 255 sculptures. And how many various decorative elements are here - no one counted. The main idea of this complex of fountains is to glorify Russia, which was able to get access to the Baltic Sea.
The fountains in Peterhof carry a certain meaning and their own legend. For example, the unique monuments that were erected at the very beginning of construction - “Eve” and “Adam”. They are located near the Marlin Alley, and in design are much similar. In the pools of eight faces are marble statues of the biblical ancestors of mankind, they are surrounded by powerful jets of water from all sides. Adam and Eve - as conceived by the architect, Peter I and Catherine I, who became the progenitors of the Russian Empire.
A very original fountain called the "Sun". It can be found next to the Monplaisir Palace. On the pedestal there is a special bronze column topped with a small ball, in which there are 187 holes. Of them, like sunbeams, streams of water beat. And under the sun, dolphins are warming themselves, who also throw fountain jets.
In general, each such “water” sculpture is its own story, and each fountain here deserves attention. You can buy an excursion where they will tell you in detail about the fountains of Peterhof. The complex is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and on weekends until 7 p.m.