PetergofIntroduction Petergof is a municipal town within Petrodvortsovy District of Saint Petersburg , on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland. It is better to visit Petergof in summer, because you could see the fountains.

Historical outlookThe idea of creation of Petergof belongs to Peter I. Peterhof as residence has appeared in 1714. On May, 17th Peter I has put in vicinities of Petersburg on the bank of gulf of Finland a palace of Monplezir. Works in the Bottom and Top gardens were conducted by architects: Braunshtejn, Leblon and Miketti later participated in an ornament of Peterhof the father and son Rastrelli. In 1721 the waterpipe with ponds-water basins for fountains has been constructed. Opening of Peterhof as a country residence was in 1723. In days of the Great Patriotic War almost all fountains were destroyed or damaged. In 1945 restoration of fountains which has occupied more than 50 years.

Where to go? What to see?The dominant natural feature of Peterhof Grand Palace is a sixteen-meter-high bluff lying less than a hundred meters from the shore. The majority of Peterhof's fountains are in the Lower Garden, as are several small palaces and outbuildings. Atop the bluff, near the middle of the Lower Gardens, stands the Grand Palace. To the south of it are the comparatively small Upper Gardens. Upon the bluff's face below the Palace is the Grand Cascade. This and the Grand Palace are the centerpiece of the entire complex.

TransportThe town is served by three railway stations (Novy Petergof, Stary Petergof, and Universitet). The palaces of Peterhof are accessible by sea via hydrofoils based near the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The palace is also easily accessed by road. Public transit and private van services make regular trips from Saint Petersburg.

The Upper Gardens are freely accessible, but entry to the Lower Gardens requires the purchase of tickets. The palaces and grotto are accessible only as part of guided tours.

RestaurantsIf you have money, you can go to “The Shtandart”.But if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can eat in a fast food chain in the park.

When it works and how much it cost to visit it? Upper Garden and Lower Garden

Gardens are open from 9:00 till 20:00 daily. Fountains work till 18:00 at week-days, till 19:00 in the days off.

Tickets to the Lower Garden

For foreign citizens: 350 roubles;

For the Russian citizens: 130 roubles at week-days, 200 roubles during week-end;

For foreign citizens – students cost of the ticket of 180 roubles;

For the Russian citizens – students cost of the ticket of 100 roubles at week-days, 80 roubles - during week-end

Entrance in the Lower Garden after 16:30-free.

Interesting Fact

Ekaterina II adored her dog called Zemira named in honor of an opera "Zemira and Azor".When the dog died Ekaterina has ordered a porcelain figurine of the dog full-scale. The visitors of Peterhof museum can see it.