Russia 2019 (66) SAINT PETERSBURG - Peterhof Lower Gardens 1

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Vadim (our fave) was our guide for the Lower Gardens. After shopping time, we met him on the lovely back terrace.

First we viewed the back of the palace. Just as beautiful as the front. This was the centerpiece, a balcony looking over the entire green space.

Here trying for a photo encompassing the length of the palace and terrace. No lens wide enough on my camera. This is the west end. There are 10 terrace fountains coming down the slope from the palace, five on each side. The gold likeness may be of Bacchus or Neptune (?).

Just beyond the palace is the Armorial Block with the Russian royal crest atop the steeple. This was not a military building, but used as a hideaway for the royals with bedroom, study, and drawing rooms. 

Looking left to the east end.

Beyond that end, see the Church of Saints Peter and Paul with its five domes. Four of the five children of Nicholas II and Alexandra were born at Peterhof and all five were baptized here.

Turn around (now looking north) and see a magnificent garden view with its over 100 fountains. It reaches from the checkerboard terrace down to the Gulf of Finland. Each side of the canal is a Voronikhn Colonnade with gold dome and three vase-shaped fountains on each roof. The one on the east side (right) held a glockenspiel (musical instrument with crystal bells) set in motion by water. Later, a water "organ" was placed in the west colonnade.


Along the balustrade there were numerous huge urns.
Originally the Samson Sea Canal was used to transport provisions across the sea up to the palace, but over time shrank in size to be more of a beautiful water feature. Bridges cross over the canal at various spots.

Mirror layout on each side of the canal. West side.

East side.

The cascade fountain waterworks were first tested in the presence of PtG himself on July 13, 1721. Much of the sculptural décor was not complete at that point. Although PtG died in 1725, in the following 60 years the cascade was completed, enhanced, restored, and repaired by various royals.

We were lead down into the garden and saw the Grand Cascade Fountain from there. The tourist crowd gathers at 10:00 each day to see it start flowing. The underground water gates open and starts the water flow, simply from gravity.

There is no pumping mechanism or recycling whatsoever. Water comes from natural springs which is collected in pools in the Upper Garden. What a marvel! Be sure to be there at 10:00 to see it. Here's a couple of angles.

The tallest jet comes from the Samson fountain. It spouts 22 m or 66 feet high.

Titled Samson Rending Open the Jaws of the Lion. It celebrates PtG's victory over the Swedes for this very land. Eight dolphins frolic at his feet.

Gold statues everywhere. Many of characters from mythology--Venus, Pan, Olympius, Pandora, Perseus, Galatea, satyrs, cupids, and busts representing the four seasons.

See the under fountain grotto built in tufa rock (dark arches). We could not visit or see into them, but inside are more gold statues and fountains. Lower center is the Pool of the Sea Canal statue.

After all that excitement we could wander various ways to see the immense park for an hour or so. No way we could see it all, but we did our best.

Continued ...