Peterhof has always been associated with fountains. This former summer residence of the Russian emperors has earned a world-wide fame as the capital of fountains. Peterhof was built in the beginning of XVIII century as a copy of Versailles — the famous residence of the French kings — and in some ways even surpassed it. Especially impressive was its system of naturally operating fountains.

The uniqueness of Peterhof’s fountains is that they work without pumps.  Water is supplied by a gravity-fed water system, twenty-two kilometers long, skillfully designed to exploit the natural slope of the terrain. It comes from the Ropsha heights, rich in numerous springs.

According to Peter I’s plan, Peterhof was to become an embodiment of the most advanced artistic and engineering ideas and to rival famous royal park ensembles of France in its magnificence and splendor. To accomplish this, the Russian Tsar assigned best architects, engineers and other specialists from Russia and European countries to complete the task. By 1723 an army of designers and craftsmen had created a palace so magnificent that even the demanding Peter called it his 'Seaside Paradise'.

Today, the ensemble of Peterhof amounts to over 150 fountains and 5 cascades. The largest fountain complex, operating in the LowerPark — the Grand Cascade, with its awesome central Samson fountain, attracts hundreds of thousands tourists annually from all over the world.

In addition to the fountains, you can visit the summer residence of Russian emperors — the GrandPalace, enjoy a walk in the park and see the numerous sculptural decorations: statues, bas-reliefs, and vases.