Grand Palace, Peterhof: description, history, architecture and interesting facts

Not so long ago, the Grand Palace (Peterhof) celebrated its 300th anniversary. For several centuries the former summer residence of the emperors was inextricably linked with the history of the country. The Primorsky architectural ensemble was erected as a grandiose triumphal monument, glorifying the greatness of the Russian Empire, which in the course of the Northern War won such a necessary access to the Baltic Sea. The Grand Palace is a world-famous landmark that attracts people from all over the world. Created by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the monument for many years delighted the public with its luxury and solemnity.

From the historical information about the palace

The Grand Palace, Peterhof, was conceived as a suburban residence of Emperor Peter the Great. Originally it was a very modest building, which bore the name of the Upper (Upper) Chambers. The place for the construction of a modern landmark was selected by Peter the Great himself. The monarch also designated the architectural appearance of the palace. This was to be a palace built in the style called Peter's Baroque, which was widely used in the new capital of the state of St. Petersburg. Peterhof was built during the years 1714-1725. First, Jean-Baptiste Leblon worked on his project, and later - Niccolo Michetti. During the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna, the object was rebuilt: the model of the Versailles of architects Jules Arduin-Mansar and Louis Levau was used as a model.

There is another date for creating the sights. So, the Grand Palace - Peterhof - began to build in 1710. But this start was in the end a failure. Architect Johann Braunstein, who worked on the project, did not take into account the peculiarities of the territory, and the construction began to precipitate. As a result, construction work was entrusted to Leblond. In his project, groundwater abstraction was taken into account, which nullified the subsidence of the ground beneath the building. The new architect expanded the doorways and windows, making the palace look more majestic. Nichola Michetti had to finish the residence. His merit were symmetrical galleries, provided from both sides along the length of Peterhof.

Today we see the palace in the same way that in 1747-1754 Bartolomeo Rastrelli built it.

Beauty is a terrible power

The Grand Palace, Peterhof - it really is an incredibly beautiful building. It is called an "adherent" of linear symmetry, since 300 meters of the base facade of the baroque construction of the object is directed to the Gulf of Finland. The platform with the balustrade, located on the terrace of the palace, served as the place from which it was customary to stare at the Grand Cascade or the Sea Canal. The first at the time played out the role of the palace staircase.

The erection and decoration of Peterhof was thought through to the smallest details, the creation of the object was a brilliant idea, which was realized in life more than successfully. The palace itself was so amazingly blended into the surrounding landscape that the chief architect of St. Petersburg, Leblond, once said that the landmark refers to those miracles that must be seen in order to have the right to judge their beauty.

general description

The Grand Palace in Peterhof, whose architect is listed above, is the center of the integral architectural ensemble of Peterhof. This refined three-story building with galleries is located on the edge of the natural 16-meter terrace and reaches a length of 300 meters. The height of the central part of the palace is 17 meters. It is decorated with a relief shield with the monogram of Peter I under the crown of the emperor.

A gilded vase crowns the roof. The church and coat of arms with figured green domes were symmetrically located on both sides of the central building. A rotating weather vane, depicting a three-headed eagle with wings spread and holding a scepter and power in its paws, completes the dome of the Armorial Corps. The Orthodox cross, rising to a 27-meter height, crowns the leading dome of the five-domed Church Corps. One-story galleries connect the central part of the palace with both buildings.

Interesting story of Rastrelli

Buy tickets to the Great Palace of Peterhof is also to see the work of the genius Rastrelli. The great architect was invited to the palace by Elizaveta Petrovna, who hardly took the throne, began to reorganize the residence. In 1745, Bartolomeo proceeded to develop new drawings. The center of the palace was left as it was under Emperor Peter. Changes touched the side galleries, which complemented the Gerbov and the Church buildings.

Rastrelli was ordered to decorate the Ballroom in a special way. He should have been as rich as possible, and it should be used gilding. The architect coped with the task: he created delightful mansions, superior to the magnificence of Versailles himself. Elizabeth Petrovna remained a work of genius incredibly happy, but did not pay the architect a single penny.

30 halls of the palace

At the disposal of the palace there are about 30 rooms, which by right can be proud and admire. The halls of the Great Palace in Peterhof contained all the luxury of this building. All the main rooms of the building were located clearly on the "rules of the palace" - on the second floor. So, for example, the Chesme Hall was such a room waiting for the beginning of a ceremony. The mirror gallery of Versailles itself became a prototype for arranging the Ballroom in Peterhof. Mirror fake windows-dummy was the highlight of such premises.

The largest in space was the Throne Room. Its area reaches 330 square meters. This room was equipped for concerts, balls and formal receptions. The Picture Hall is considered the oldest palace room. In addition, it was originally the largest front room. Among the main apartments of the Own half were bedrooms, toilet rooms, imperial offices and salons. Only close people were allowed access to these premises.

Study in the palace

Incredibly interesting for many tourists may be an excursion to Peterhof with a visit to the Grand Palace. Incredible enthusiasm will cause Chinese offices and the Oak Office of Peter the Great. The first are rooms that radiate and shimmer in gold, like Chinese lacquer pictures. And the Oak Office has been preserved as a historical relic and restored with maximum authenticity.

Palace in the XIX-XX centuries

The Grand Palace in Peterhof, whose style is designated as the Petrine Baroque, from 1845 to 1850 was slightly rebuilt by architect A. I. Stakenschneider. He was engaged in the construction of the eastern wing and eventually made the composition of the palace balanced and gave it symmetry.

After the end of the Great October Revolution, the palace became a historical and art museum. The Great Patriotic War practically destroyed the landmark: the fascists kidnapped a large part of the museum's exhibits, and the palace building was subjected to fire and shelling.

Architects, historians, restorers and various masters in 1952, on their own, restored the Great Palace from the ruins. And in 1956 on it gilded domes were again installed. The portrait room became the first accessible room for inspection in the Museum of the Grand Palace. The event happened in 1964.

Today the landmark is a historical and artistic museum.

Excursion to the palace

Excursion to Peterhof, the Grand Palace is an event that is difficult for ordinary people to visit during the high tourist season. At that time the sight is occupied, mainly, by foreign tourist groups. March and April are the months in the year when Russian tourists can visit it. In all other months the facility is visited mainly by groups from abroad.

Tickets for the tour are not cheap (from a thousand rubles). Their cost depends on the type of pass purchased. It is also taken into account whether a visitor is a foreigner or not and his social affiliation.