Russia's Versailles on the Gulf of Finland—palaces, 150 fountains, parks spanning hundreds of hectares. Peterhof is a summer residence created by Peter I and transformed by his successors into a symbol of imperial splendor. The Grand Cascade with its golden statues is one of Russia's most recognizable images.

History

Peter I

Peterhof began in 1714 as a travel palace on the road to Kronstadt. Peter personally sketched fountain designs and supervised construction. The official opening came in 1723—Peter received guests while fountains flowed. The idea was to surpass Versailles, and with water...