This place
The idea to build his summer residence with fountains came to Peter the Great during his trip to Europe, when he visited several royal residences and the Versailles Gardens. The Tsar wanted the fountains of his residence to operate all day. Peter I personally found natural springs on an elevated place from where water would flow naturally to the sea and fed the fountains. This location was chosen for the residence, and the system of small rivers and lakes was improved.
The construction of the residence began in 1714 and it was officially opened in 1723. The complex included the Upper Chambers of Peter I, enormous garden with fountains, several Small palaces and pavilions in wood. Peter I personally showed his astonished guests his new residence, which he called “my paradise.”
The Palace church was commissioned by Peter I`s daughter Elisabeth of Russia during reconstruction of the residence in the mid 18th century. The Empress chose sumptuous and colourful style for the interiors and commissioned the church to be decorated in a similar way so the only traditional architectural element was the roof with five gilded domes. The interior came out a blend of orthodox traditions, with the ideas of the Western culture and the baroque architecture.
Interesting fact: Peterhof is a small town located 35 km away from the city centre, however it is still considered a district of St. Petersburg. The first time it was mentioned was in 1705, and by 1710 (12) the town received the status of the summer residence of Peter I, who called it “Peterhof” in a Dutch manner. In 1944, after WWII, the name “Peterhof,” which seemed German, was replaced with the more Russian name “Petrodvorets” meaning “Peter`s Palace”. Since 2009, the original name of “Peterhof” is used again.
This day in the History of St.Petersburg
On January 19, 1944, Soviet troops liberated the town of Peterhof from Nazi soldiers. The Grand palace of Petrodvorets and the Grand Cascade were completely destroyed and the park palaces such as Catherine Block and Hermitage Pavilion were ruined. At that moment no one believed that the unique complex could be ever revived.
In 1944, the mines and bombs were cleared from the park, and reconstruction began.
In 1945, the Lower Park was opened to the public and the first fountains were turned on in 1946. In 1947, the new sculpture of Samson, the central statue of the Grand Cascade, was returned to its original place. In 1952, the reconstruction of the Grand Palace began, and 10 rooms were opened for the visitors in 1964.
The restoration process took several decades and is still going on.
