Fountains of Peterhof and their secrets

Are you going to the northern capital of Russia? Then in the list of attractions that you are going to visit, must necessarily get a residence built by Peter I. In order to see the fountains of Peterhof, even foreigners try to get there. After all, the stunning beauty of sculptures and long reservoirs are combined so perfectly that they can leave unforgettable impressions for every person.

Secrets of Creation

Fountains of Peterhof are not without reason being the title of one of the most refined in the whole world. And the idea of creating this "water" complex appeared a long time ago - about three centuries ago, at the Emperor Peter I. When he got out to the sea, he thought about building a complex of fountains next to the Gulf of Finland, which would certainly strike the imagination of every foreigner.

Fountains of Peterhof would be unfinished without a unique water conduit, the idea of which belongs to engineer Vasily Tuvolkov. It was under his leadership that the sluices and the channel itself were built, through which water flowed from the reservoirs to the Upper Garden pools, and then to the fountains in the Lower Park. The length of all the channels in Peterhof is about 50 kilometers. In addition, there are a lot of ponds.

Such a water supply system has its own little secret. And it consists in the fact that there are no pumps or water facilities. How, then, does water penetrate the fountains of Peterhof? Everything is very simple. It is based on the principle of communicating vessels. The fact is that ponds and fountains are located at different levels. But it would be impossible to create it without using the natural features of the terrain on which Peterhof was built. This suggests that Peter I chose this place for the construction of his residence for no reason at all. There were several reservoirs originally from the ground, which were beaten with keys.

Amazing cascade

The most grandiose view opens from the terrace next to the Great Palace. Before the eyes there is a panorama of the Grand Cascade and the canal. And in the distance you can even see the sea.

The construction of this cascade lasted a century. In total, it includes 64 fountains and 255 sculptures. And how many different decorative elements here - no one believed. The main idea of this complex of fountains is to glorify Russia, which was able to get access to the Baltic Sea.

Fountains in Peterhof have a certain meaning and their legend. For example, unique monuments that were erected at the very beginning of construction - "Eva" and "Adam". They are located near the Marlinskaya alley, and the design is much alike. In pools of eight faces there are marble statues of the biblical primogenitors of mankind, they are surrounded on all sides by powerful jets of water. Adam and Eve - this, according to the idea of the architect, Peter I and Catherine I, who became the progenitors of the Russian Empire.

A very original fountain called "Sun". It can be found near the Monplaisir Palace. A special bronze column is mounted on the pedestal, crowned with a small ball, with 187 holes. From them, like the rays of the sun, trickle water. And under the sun the dolphins are basking, which also throw out fountain jets.

In general, each such "water" sculpture is a story, and every fountain here deserves attention. You can buy an excursion on which you will be told in detail about the fountains of Peterhof. The working hours of the complex are from 10 to 18 hours on weekdays, and on weekends - up to 19 hours.