Versailles was the inspiration behind Peter the Great’s desire to build an imperial palace in the suburbs of his new city after a failed attempt at Strelna, Peterhof - which means "Peter's Court" in German, became the site for the Tsar's Monplaisir Palace, and then of the original Grand Palace. The palace, park and the famous system of fountains, including the truly spectacular Grand Cascade were later extended by Peter’s granddaughter, Empress Elizabeth, who loved the place just as much as he did.
Catherine the Great moved the court to Pushkin but, afterwards, Nicholas I ordered the building of the modest Cottage Palace in 1826, meaning that Peterhof was once again the Official Imperial Residence and so the park was continually undergoing improvements in the 18th and 19th centuries.
During the Second World War, Peterhof was ravaged by German troops like almost all of St. Petersburg’s suburban estates. However, it was one of the first to be resurrected and the estate was almost fully restored by 1947 thanks to the work of military engineers and over one thousand volunteers. The original name of Peterhof was replaced with ‘Petrodvorets’ so that it did not sound German and this is the name still given to the surrounding town, although the palace and park and now known as Peterhof once again.
Catherine the Great moved the court to Pushkin but, afterwards, Nicholas I ordered the building of the modest Cottage Palace in 1826, meaning that Peterhof was once again the Official Imperial Residence and so the park was continually undergoing improvements in the 18th and 19th centuries.
During the Second World War, Peterhof was ravaged by German troops like almost all of St. Petersburg’s suburban estates. However, it was one of the first to be resurrected and the estate was almost fully restored by 1947 thanks to the work of military engineers and over one thousand volunteers. The original name of Peterhof was replaced with ‘Petrodvorets’ so that it did not sound German and this is the name still given to the surrounding town, although the palace and park and now known as Peterhof once again.
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Mode of transport: by car, walking
Duration: 4 hours Max travellers: 6 Type: Tours around St. Petersburg Availability: Daily except Mondays Depart from: Hotel in St. Petersburg Price includes: Picking up at your hotel, professional tour guiding, private car or minibus and driver. Extra pay: Museum entrance fees (€ 30 per person) Price per tour: € 170 |
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