Thursday, September 19, 2013

Peterhof - the Capital of Fountains

 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. 


Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

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. 


Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

The gardens are full of unique fountains and water features.  The entire system is gravity-fed. 

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

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.

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia
 
Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia

You can see why it is often called "The Russian Versaille" or "The Capital of Fountains."




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*I hope you don't consider my "photo essays" as a cover for lazy blogging.  We saw so much during those 15 hours in St. Petersburg and I really want to share it with you. 

15 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. Love that pick pocket sign! And the pic of the main fountain with the view out to the water is stunning!

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  3. I also cannot believe how much you did! I love the tricky water way though how fun as a kid!

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  4. The 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.

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  5. Aix is known as the city of a thousand fountains but it has nothing on Peterhof!
    And as fun and quirky the whole spraying people with water bit is, if I was there, I would not be a happy camper ;)

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  6. 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. :)

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  7. We wanted to get in as much as possible. The fountains were beautiful.

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  8. I so wanted to go play in the sprinklers!

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  9. So glad you are liking the photos. :)

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  10. Thanks 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 :)

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  11. Did 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.

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  12. No, 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?

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  13. I 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!

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  14. So 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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Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!