Saint Petersburg｜ Peterhof Palace: The Fountain Capital of the Baltic

If you visit St. Petersburg and skip Peterhof, you’ve missed its soul! 🏰 The Russian Versailles Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, 30 km from St. Petersburg, Peterhof was designed by Peter the Great in 1710 as a summer retreat for Russian tsars. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (1990) and one of Russia’s Seven Wonders (2008), it blends Baroque and Rococo styles with lavish sculptures, murals, and gardens. 💧 The Grand Cascade The iconic fountain complex features: 37 golden statues 🏛️ 150 small sculptures 64 fountains A 22-meter central jet depicting Samson wrestling a lion 💦 🎟️ Tickets & Hours Upper Garden: Free 🆓 | 9:00–21:00 Lower Garden: 1500 RUB (Student 750 RUB) | 9:00–20:00 (tickets close 30 mins earlier) 🚌 How to Get There: 1️⃣ Metro to Автово → Bus 200/204/210 2️⃣ Boat from Winter Palace (30 mins, 1200 RUB) – scenic route via Gulf of Finland! 🚢 3️⃣ Smart Route (avoid crowds): Taxi to Upper Garden → Grand Palace (empty photos early) → Lower Garden fountains → Baltic shore → Monplaisir Palace → Return by boat 📸 Photo Spots: 1️⃣ Grand Cascade + Baltic Sea (wide-angle shots) 🌊 2️⃣ Chess Hill Fountain (shoot from the second platform) 3️⃣ Golden Sculpture Corridor (4 PM light is magical!) ✨ 4️⃣ Hidden gem: Roman Fountains in the western Lower Garden 🍴 Food Tips: Palace Café: Try tsar-style honey gingerbread 🍯 Salmon sandwiches near the pier 🥪 Bring a water bottle – onsite water costs 300 RUB! 💧 📍 Address: Razvodnaya Ulitsa, 2, Peterhof #SaintPetersburg #Peterhof #WorldHeritage #Fountains #RussiaTravel #FairytaleVibes #SummerInRussia