The cultural capital of Russia - St. Petersburg - is almost always associated with numerous museums, monuments, movable bridges, canals and twilight stretched all night, which are universally called white nights. However, in addition to the cultural and natural wealth within the city, there are also beauty and architectural ensembles located in the suburbs. Tsarskoye Selo, Gatchina, Vasilievsky Island, Pushkin and many other places surrounding St. Petersburg are an undeniable and very valuable part of the history of not only the cultural capital, but the whole country as a whole.
I would like to dwell on one of these suburbs, where in the warm season all tourist groups strive to get. This is Petrodvorets in St. Petersburg. Photos of this amazing place are often found on the turns of world magazines about culture, art and architecture. However, not only tourists, but also the residents themselves are happy to spend weekends in this place.
Great unity in all areas of art
The “capital of fountains” and Peterhof are also called Petrodvorets in St. Petersburg. On its territory there is an amazingly beautiful park ensemble, a huge number of statues of ancient heroes made of gilding and marble, and, of course, numerous fountains. All this, combined with lush greenery, turns the suburb of the cultural capital into the most attractive sightseeing place for tourists.
Petrodvorets in St. Petersburg is known throughout the world. It acquired its modern name after 1944. Prior to this, this ensemble was called Peterhof. The palace and park group is one of the greatest achievements of Russian national culture. It is worth noting that here architectural, cultural, sculptural and engineering solutions are harmoniously combined in a magnificent way. This place is located on the Gulf of Finland, thirty kilometers from the city, in a village called Peterhof.
Innovator and founder
Not only the park group itself is interesting, but also the history of its occurrence. The Petrodvorets Museum in St. Petersburg was built at the beginning of the eighteenth century. He became a peculiar witness of the victory of Russia in the Northern War and its access to the Baltic Sea. The founder of the idea of creating a palace and park ensemble is the Tsar and Emperor Peter I. His innovative ideas were famous throughout the world. Thanks to him, there are many historical and cultural monuments in the country. It is Peter the Great who owns the artistic decisions and design ideas of the ensemble.
Construction and opening
In 1705, Peter I built the so-called travel mansions on the Gulf of Finland. Their appearance marked the beginning of the "Capital of Fountains". The first brick in the construction of the summer front residence was laid in 1714. And its discovery took place nine years later - in 1723. During this time, the Upper Garden and Lower Park, the main elements of the Grand Cascade, the Grand Palace and the Monplaisir Palace were erected. Builders, architects, engineers, gardeners and many other specialists have accomplished a tremendous feat, erecting an unprecedented beauty of a monumental group in a rather short period of time. To supply the fountains of the park ensemble, a special water supply system was built, the basis of which were storage ponds. The author of this project is engineer Vasily Tuvolkov. The main feature of the water system of Petrodvorets is the complete absence of any pressure or pumping elements. The movement of fluid is due to the difference in levels at which fountains and storages are located.
State ownership
Petrodvorets in St. Petersburg owes its appearance to thousands of mercenary workers, serfs, craftsmen from all over the country. Foundry workers, jewelers, artists, sculptors and other creators have invested a piece of their soul in the creation of the ensemble. Petrodvorets in St. Petersburg continued its development for another two centuries. New monuments and monuments appeared, the first elements of the palace and park group were updated and restored.
In the mid-fifties of the 18th century, various princely and tsarist residences began to appear around the complex, among which Znamenka, Alexandria, the English Park and Own Cottage stood out. The February Revolution of 1917 introduced changes not only in the political, but also in the cultural development of the country. So, many monuments of art have become state property. This fate did not pass around Petrodvorets in St. Petersburg. Fountains, ponds, buildings and structures - all this has become museum exhibits.
Nazi power
The park ensemble went through great difficulties during the Great Patriotic War. The sudden invasion of fascist troops was a shock to the government and civilians. It was ordered to evacuate all possible values from Petrodvorets as soon as possible. Monumental works of art, if possible, were hidden in the ground. However, far from everything was saved. On September 23, enemy troops occupied Peterhof. For more than two years, the historical heritage was under the rule of the Nazis. The Grand and English palaces, the Grand Cascade, Marley - all this has turned into ruins. The Hermitage and Monplaisir were less affected. Every estate was looted, magnificent parks were cut down, and hydraulic structures were blown up. What worked for two centuries, perished. After the retreat of the Nazi groups, Peterhof as a monument of history and culture did not exist.
Risen from the ruins
In 1944, the ensemble was renamed. With a new name, the new life of Petrodvorets began. Talented restorers recreated their former splendor. One of the greatest monuments of art is today Petrodvorets in St. Petersburg. Excursions are held both in the Grand Palace and in the Lower Park, as well as in the territory of the fountain group.
Directions and price of excursions
Ticket prices vary depending on age, availability of benefits and citizenship. For foreign tourists, the price of an adult ticket is 550 rubles (for visiting the Grand Palace) and 500 rubles (Lower Park and fountains). This is 150 and 100 rubles. more than for Russian residents. Excursions to the Grand Palace are held six days a week, except Monday. Every last Tuesday of the month is also a day off. You can visit this place from 10:30 to 18:00. However, it is worth considering that the ticket office closes at 17:00.
Fountains work only in the warm season. As a rule, the season begins in May and ends in September. On weekdays you can visit the Lower Park and fountains from 9:00 to 19:00, and on weekends the walk is increased by an hour.
Petrodvorets in St. Petersburg allows you to enjoy the magnificent beauty and sophistication of the historical complex, to see amazing sculptures and stunning fountains, to touch the art of the XVIII century with supportive generosity. The address at which the ensemble is located is easy to remember: st. Adjustable, 2. You can get here by electric train, bus, taxi.