This week I'm featuring *photo essays from our day in St. Petersburg with TJ Travel.
During the afternoon, we took a hydrofoil boat to the Peterhof Palace, the imperial palace and park designed by Peter the Great at the beginning of the 18th Century. We didn't actually go into the Grand Palace but did tour the smaller Monplaisir Palace, a small summer palace.
During the afternoon, we took a hydrofoil boat to the Peterhof Palace, the imperial palace and park designed by Peter the Great at the beginning of the 18th Century. We didn't actually go into the Grand Palace but did tour the smaller Monplaisir Palace, a small summer palace.
When you arrive by boat the first site that greats you is the Grand Cascade that runs from the water's edge all the way to the entrance of the Palace. There are 64 fountains and over 200 statues covered in gold leaf.
The gardens are full of unique fountains and water features. The entire system is gravity-fed.
Apparently, Peter the Great was a big joker and enjoyed getting his noble guests wet. Like this little pathway. Several times a day, the guy in the green overalls turns the crank and the street is drenched with streams of water. There are trees that spray water and fountains that squirt you if you are unlucky enough to step on a certain brick. And watch where you sit, the guy hidden behind the tree in a green box just might turn on the tap.
You can see why it is often called "The Russian Versaille" or "The Capital of Fountains."
How did you fit so much in during just 15 hours! Petergof is another one of my favourites in SPb, although I never knew about the sprinklers, and the fountains that squirt you!
ReplyDeleteLove that pick pocket sign! And the pic of the main fountain with the view out to the water is stunning!
ReplyDeleteI also cannot believe how much you did! I love the tricky water way though how fun as a kid!
ReplyDeleteThe fountains are so lovely and it is amazing to hear that it is a gravity fed system. You definitely explored quite a bit if the city in the short amount of time you visited and I am loving this photo tour.
ReplyDeleteAix is known as the city of a thousand fountains but it has nothing on Peterhof!
ReplyDeleteAnd as fun and quirky the whole spraying people with water bit is, if I was there, I would not be a happy camper ;)
Another Texas girl in London! I'm so excited. I've followed you on Bloglovin and look forward to spending some time in your archives. I'm so glad that you commented. :)
ReplyDeleteWe wanted to get in as much as possible. The fountains were beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI so wanted to go play in the sprinklers!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are liking the photos. :)
ReplyDeleteI so need to get to Aix!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Selena! I'm trying to rack up my travels list. We have no idea how long we will be here, so we don't want to waste anytime. I feel I must warn you that we like to drink and at times worry we might h e drinking problems while we travel. Haha! Anyway, I live how well you document your adventures - it looks so effortless :)
ReplyDeleteDid you go in to Peterhof? I just saw the fountains and the gardens and found it magnificent! Your pictures are lovely and bring back fond memories. It's amazing to think that we can actually visit Russia! A true highlight of my travels.
ReplyDeleteNo, we didn't have time to go in. When were you in St. Petersburg? I'd love to hear about your travels. Are you currently blogging?
ReplyDeleteI went on a baltic cruise in 2008 - so amazing. I am not a blogger, but love checking out pictures from those who do. Our family also traveled to Europe a few times as a large group (4 adults & 4 kids) through the years and we really enjoy it. Hopefully we will get back in the next year or two!
ReplyDeleteSo I'll ask you... Which place are you glad you saw but you don't want to revisit? Which place do you want to return to for a longer stay? Which place would you love to live for awhile?
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