Russia 2019 (64) SAINT PETERSBURG - Peterhof Palace 1

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Peterhof covers a total of 600+ hectares (1,483 acres), much of it beautiful parklands and gardens. Also, on the grounds PtG and his successors built some 30 palaces and pavilions. The main "Great Palace" was built first (between 1714-1721) as a summer residence for the royals. Here are some photos from our interior tour.

First, the main staircase.

The expansive Ballroom.

The mural on the ceiling furthers the impression of vastness by opening to the sky. It is titled Parnassus, the Greek home of poetry, literature, and learning.

PtG collected wartime paintings. This is titled Burning of the Turkish Fleet in the Chesme Harbour by J. Ph. Hackaert (1772).

The Throne Room with painting Equestrian Portrait of Catherine the Great by V. Erichsen (1762), riding her favorite horse Brilliant.

In another corner is Portrait of Empress Anna Ioannovna by H. Buchholz (circa 1785).
Fireplace.

The White Dining Room.

With its amethyst chandelier.

Golden clock.

And ceramic heating stove.

Entrance to the Chinese Lobbies.

 Picture or Portrait Hall.

 

On the easel is a Self-Portrait of Pietro Rotari (circa 1750). The 368 paintings were acquired by CtG from his widow. Most are representations of young models in a variety of costumes by Rotari or his pupils.

A view to the lower gardens.

The Boudoir or Partridge Drawing Room (because of the wallpaper). Conversations with an intimate circle held here. 

So many beautiful parquet floors.

The Divan Room. Notice the small white dog under the center table. 

It is a realistic sculpture of CtG's pet Zemira, an Italian greyhound, sitting on a pillow (from the Imperial Porcelain Factory, 1779).

The State Bedroom or the Crown Room. The wallpaper depicts the process of making Chinese porcelain.

Continued...