In 1714, Peter I had the idea of creating a residence that would not be inferior to Versailles in France. Already in 1723 he presented his work. The area for the construction of the Peterhof fountains was chosen very successfully, because there were found ponds that feed on the keys from under the ground. The first were the Lower Park, the Sea Canal, the Monplaisir and Marley palaces and the fountains that operate there.
In the future, the park was gradually completed. In the time of Peter II he was abandoned, but Anna Ioannovna was able to revive the residence. During the Great Patriotic War the park was defeated, the trees were cut down, and all valuables were plundered. Fortunately, in the first post-war years the park was gradually restored.
Feast of fountains in Peterhof
This event in recent years has become very popular. Traditionally, the festival of fountains in Peterhof is held twice a year: in late May and mid-September. The celebration begins with the onset of darkness and lasts two hours. The main events unfold near the Great Peterhof Palace. Your attention is presented to the cascade "Big", consisting of 64 fountains and 225 bronze sculptures, as well as many other decorative details.
Celebration is accompanied by classical music. Jet streams of Peterhof fountains with the help of light are painted in yellow, red and blue colors, shine with sparks. It seems that the fountains are dancing. Everywhere ladies and gentlemen in old costumes go, you can see a theatrical show with ballet numbers.
How many fountains in Peterhof?
You can enjoy many different types and shapes of fountains, with quiet murmur or loud splashes. Immediately and not count how many fountains in Peterhof, because the area is huge, and attention is riveted to all this splendor. In total, in the Lower Park there are 4 cascades and 191 fountains, taking into account the water cascades. The time when fountains are turned on in Peterhof starts at 11 am and lasts until 5 pm.
Fountains of Peterhof: names
The main structure is the Peterhof fountain "The Great Cascade." It amazes with an abundance of water, a variety of sculptures and graphic abundance of water cannons. It is a monument of Baroque art. The central part is the Great Grotto. The outer wall is decorated with five high arches with lock stones. The area in front of the Lower Grotto is enclosed by two cascading staircases of seven steps each. The steps are decorated with gold-plated bas-reliefs, brackets, sculptures with vases. The center is the "Basket" fountain, from which water is taken in three steps into the ladle.
"Neptune". This sculptural group was created in the 1650s-1660s, but it was not installed. Later it was bought by Paul I and was already installed in the Upper Garden. The figured pool of this fountain is surrounded by a lawn, the exterior looks like a mirror. The fountain consists of a three-level pedestal with a bronze figure of Neptune. Below there are shells, corals, putti, Nereids and horsemen on sea horses.
Parallel to the shore of the Marlinsky pond, there are four identical fountains. Tritons with water bells rest on the bottom of the fin, and the newt babies hold round flat bowls over their heads. Thus, water closes the sculpture with water, that
There are fountains without sculptural decoration. For example, terraced fountains, located in front of the palace. On the ledges of the terrace in front of the palace are five fountains in the form of bowls. Below are arranged four-tiered marble cascades.
In the middle of the Monplaisirsky garden there is a fountain Sheaf. He got his name for the similarity of 24 jets of water with ears. From the top of the pedestal one more jet is seen. From the pool water flows through five marble steps into a hidden channel, the stream seems to go underground.