Cultural and historical reserve park Peterhof: description of main attractions and prices

The State Museum-Reserve Peterhof, located near St. Petersburg, is known all over the world. This is a real masterpiece and a great achievement of Russian architecture. On the vast territory there are several chic palaces, fountains and water cascades, landscaped parks. Peterhof Palace Park is popular with tourists from all over the world. Often, visitors from other countries come to Russia just to see this miracle with their own eyes.

History of the architectural and park complex

The first mention of Peterhof in historical sources dates back to 1705. At that time it was just a pier with which you could get to Colin Island and the "courtyard". In 1712, at the direction of Peter I, the construction of a pompous summer residence begins, the Great Palace was laid in 1714. Peterhof was chosen as a place to create a unique complex not by chance. Peter the First wished to have a residence more beautiful than Versailles. The landscape in this area allowed to build a system of water cascades and fountains that can work in the season around the clock. Peterhof Palace Park was built and rebuilt from the XVIII to the XX century, and each succeeding emperor added something of his own. After the events of 1917, a complex of parks, gardens and palaces was opened to the people as a museum. To a large extent, the reserve was damaged during the Great Patriotic War, but after that it was carefully restored and opened its doors for visitors again.

Palaces of Peterhof

Experienced tourists say that even for the whole day it is impossible to inspect the entire territory and the exposition of the palace and park ensemble. The central and most interesting object of the reserve is the Great Palace. It was in him that the members of the royal family lived and held elegant receptions for several centuries. Several times the Great Palace partially changed its appearance, and today, according to its decoration, it is possible to track various periods of history. Park Peterhof, as is known, was founded by Peter the Great. Preserved in it to this day and the beloved palace of the great sovereign - Monplaisir (literally translated from French - "my pleasure"). Most often, the emperor stopped right here (in the modern exposition one can see a lot of personal belongings of Peter the Great). During a walk around Peterhof, tourists can also visit the Catherine's Corps, built for receptions and balls during the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna, and the Marley Palace, erected to accommodate noble guests.

Lower Park and Upper Garden

It is believed that the world-famous reserve Petergof acquired precisely because of its Lower Park. Originally it was decorated in a trendy French style (regular). Even in the time of Peter the Great, there appeared even geometric paths, beautiful pavilions, evenly trimmed trees and bushes. The park has many sculptures and fountains. From the Great Palace to the bay stretches a straight line of the sea channel, dividing the green zone into two equal parts. The lower park of Peterhof is famous for its fountains. This is a cascade of "Chessboard", "Sun", "Greenhouse Fountain", cascade "Golden Mountain" and some others. Upper garden until the second half of the eighteenth century was used for economic purposes. And only at a later time there were sculptures and fountains.

Cascades and fountains of the Upper Garden

The first fountain in the Upper Garden appeared in 1734. Initially, in its center stood a huge oak, made of lead. Hence the name - "Oak". Today, the round pool is decorated with a flowing sculpture of Cupid, removing the mask. "Neptune" - a fountain, opened in 1736, looks incredibly spectacular. Originally it was decorated with a sculpture of the "Cart of Neptune", but at the end of the 18th century it was replaced by a similar composition. Also in the Upper Garden you can see fountains of Square ponds and "Mezhemumny".

Peterhof (park): ticket prices and information for tourists

How much is an excursion to this unique museum-preserve? For the convenience of tourists, it is suggested to purchase tickets separately for the inspection of the Upper Garden / Grand Palace and the Lower Park. The first excursion will cost 400 rubles for Russian citizens and 550 rubles for guests from other countries. And how much does the entrance to Nizhny Peterhof (park) cost? The cost of visiting for foreign tourists is 500 rubles, for Russian citizens - 300 rubles on weekdays and 400 rubles - on weekends.

There are discounts for children, students, pensioners and other categories of beneficiaries. To purchase an entrance ticket at a reduced price, you must show proof of the right to receive a discount.

Attention: fountains work from May 9 until the end of September, their opening and closing is celebrated in a solemn atmosphere. Park Peterhof is open daily until 19:00. On weekdays fountains are turned off at 17:00, and on weekends - when the territory is closed for visitors.