Peterhof Palace
Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
Peter the Great contributed so much in the priceless transformation of Peterhof. It will never be forgotten for it is only him who made the best monument, incorporated with fountains, on top of the cliff.
Peterhof is a city which used to be an unattractive place but now it has transformed into something lovely and breathtaking. It is surrounded with water, which reflects the preference and love of Peter the Great for the sea more than anything in this world. The water theme makes it less difficult to invite tourists and even locals to enjoy the scenery of Peterhof.
Peterhof is also a place where artworks are protected and other statues and replicas, which used to be destroyed by the war, are able to be recovered piece by piece by the help of Universities and conservatories. It is made sure that they are still attractive and standing strong in the gardens. Because of this, there is no doubt that Peterhof is shining its way in the heart of the people.
By the time when the Romanov monarchy was overthrown by the 1917 Russian Revolution, Tsar Nicholas II was gradually adding to Peterhof. This was the same time when the palaces and grounds of Peterhof became the property of the state and control of the commoners. Peterhof also became a museum of fountains collection and a historical site when World War II transpired. It is also during this time that the Soviet museum curators saved and buried the fountains from the Nazi troops’ control. However, this was not as successful as it was hoped for. From 1941 to 1944, Peterhof was in the hands of the Nazi force. Their power was unstoppable and unbearable. They caused massive destruction and attack by burning and shelling 34,000 pieces of fountains, palaces, other artefacts and other relics altogether that used to be the most invaluable treasure of Peterhof. There were landmines all over the place, which shows that the Nazi troops really intended to annihilate the great place of Peterhof. There were also lives of Russian soldiers that had been lost for the very reason of defending Peterhof. It was devastating!
After the daunting war, the reconstruction began with the contribution of the German money and with the help of the people of the nation. The money from Germany was supposed to be for war preparations but it was given in aid to the shattered Peterhof. The people started restructuring the buildings and grounds that were damaged by the war. They earnestly did this amidst the slow progress and transformation that they were aiming to achieve. Nevertheless, the opening of Peterhof in 1952 continued despite the incomplete reconstruction. About fourteen (14) years after or in 1966 the fountains began working. This was the first time that the fountains worked and also it was the most relieving part of Peterhof to be able to enchant and please millions of visitors from other areas of the world. It is amazing to think that Peterhof stood strong for its people. If you like the beauty of the famous Peterhof fountains then you too can have your own water fountain.
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
During the death of Peter the Great in 1725 there had been Upper and Lower Gardens. However, the one hundred twenty (120) fountains were not included in this original construction. The only ones that were included were the 4 km (~2.5 mi.) channel designed and created by V. Tuvolkov, for the purpose of providing enough pressure for fountains that have 20 m (~66 ft) waterspout on Samson. This water spout was created by Mikhail Kozlovsky with regard to the commemoration of Sweden’s victory.
Speaking of channels, Sea Channel or Morskoi Kanal divides the Lower Gardens. From a giant pool to the walkway, it reached up to the Grand Palace, the smaller spouts and the army of gold glided statues.
Upper and Lower Gardens were distinct from each other. Each had its own way of leaving an unforgettable statement even up to this moment. As for Upper Gardens, there were three (3) ponds which were used for aquaculture and irrigation of the vegetable gardens. This took place during the death of Peter the Great. This is contrary to the Lower Gardens, which were created during the reign of Peter the Great. It took its stand. It was incorporated with a nice touch and detail of French design. However, only between the death of Peter the Great and the 1917 Revolution, the statues and fountains were added into the Lower Gardens. The place must have been so promising and harmonious.
Aside from the fountains in Upper and Lower Gardens, there are also other fountains found in Peterhof. One of which has an appealing structure is the Exotic Pyramid Fountain. It has an exquisite illusion of a large pyramid. Another is the Sun fountain. Its features include a solar disk that provides for flowing water through its rays. There are also several trick fountains. They are not commonly seen by public but once seen, they have that alluring and magnetic power that is sure to leave you speechless. However, that is not the only thing that will wow you. A rare feature includes a fruit on the table, which will squirt you when you attempt to get it and a bench with an umbrella that will soak you when you try to sit. In addition, there are also tree statues that are as similar as those real ones, which release water once it is approached. Things that are added to these trick fountains are fanciful because of there uniqueness. These are just some of the many designs of outdoor fountains available throughout the world.
Moreover, in Peterhof there are also other fountains not exactly as traditional as you think they may be and this includes the cascades reminiscent of Versailles. During the time of Peter the Great, the Grand Cascade used to be a walkway surrounded by smaller water spouts and statues. It had a tunnel and different eye-catching designs on either part of the palace. In the west you will find the Golden Mountain encased in marble and in the east you will find the black and white or Chess cascade. So you see it is a wonderful site and destination to see a wonderfully made masterpiece warmly welcoming the people.
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
Peterhof is a name that originated from the German name but with Russian-sounding name called Petrodvorets or Peter’s Palace. It is placed above the 200 m (~220 yd) strong cliff. Its 16 m (~52 ft) site and 100 m (~110 yd) Upper and Lower gardens make it one of the most unique and excellent works of art and place. Another thing that stands out in the palace is the two-storey grotto enveloped with brownstone color, which gives a more natural look. The favorite place before the death of Peter the Great in 1925 is the Lower gardens. It must have been great for relaxation.
Peter the Great created St. Petersburg and evolved its existence by placing a palace in it. It started from 1703 and onwards when the local stonemasons were prevented from building anything so that they will only be focusing on establishing St. Petersburg. The funds were obtained from the imposed taxes, which were collected from the subjects of Peter the Great. This gave him the realization of reclaiming St. Petersburg and, at the same time, building a great place from nothing to something incredible and catchy.
Peter the Great and his Russian successors created a place in the west points and in Europe where the ocean-ongoing vessels would have a drop-off area. This was a big help since St. Petersburg did not have any deep harbour to handle such vessels.
As early as the Great Northern Battle in 1705, the site for Peterhof and the Baltic Sea were secured for Russian use like battle or war to the new Kronshtadt defence on Kottin Island. However, the places are intended for vacation spots for the whole court. The city offers the most beautiful view like water fountains in the gardens overlooking the Gulf of Finland, which serves as a link between Germany and Poland.
What is it about Peterhof that makes it special?
There is always one place where a travelling king should stay. You do not want a king to stay on a dungeon-like place. It is not like him and surely it is not suitable for his disposition in life. A king must be placed in a comfortable and relaxing dwelling. One that is best for the king is the city of Peterhof, also known as Peter’s Court. It is an original palace located on top of the cliff overlooking the Baltic Sea. Here, the king will witness its magnificent bed of sea and gardens, where fountains can be found and also beautiful well-established buildings. These awesome features were built by Russia’s finest – Peter the Great during early 18th century.
Another thing that also makes Peterhof stand out from other cities is its largest network of gravity-fed fountains in the world because Peterhof was eventually added for the next 200 years. The structures of Peterhof were unfortunately demolished by the Nazi Force but in the end, it was reconstructed and built once more for the people and for the nation. Everything was then restored after the destruction and reconstruction of Peterhof. This makes Peterhof palace a World Heritage Site along with the entire city of St. Petersburg. It is even more attractive for the fact that Peterhof has a history to tell not only from which it experienced downfall but also from which it had arisen.
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