Upper Garden

VWM5+65 Petrodvortsovy District, Saint Petersburg, Russia

The Upper Garden is the ceremonial entrance to the imperial residence, a splendid example of formal garden design. The garden was created based on sketches by Peter I, and its layout has changed only slightly since then. During the lifetime of the first Russian emperor, its ceremonial character was combined with practical purposes. Vegetables, fruits, aromatic herbs, and medicinal plants were grown here, and fish were bred in the ponds that served as reservoirs for the fountain system.

Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The Upper Garden is the ceremonial entrance to the imperial residence, a fine example of formal garden design, created based on sketches by Peter the Great. At that time, the famous architect Jean-Baptiste Le Blond arrived from France to serve the Russian tsar, and he was entrusted with leading all the construction work at Peterhof. Considering the scale of the territory, the talented master brilliantly coped with the assigned task. By 1725, the royal residence welcomed its first guests, and subsequently, its layout changed only slightly. During the lifetime of the first Russian emperor, the ceremonial character was combined with practical purposes. Vegetables, fruits, aromatic herbs, and medicinal plants were grown here, and fish were bred in the ponds, which served as reservoirs for the fountain system.

In the 1730s, the Upper Garden acquired an exclusively ceremonial appearance: the beds were removed, trellis pavilions and gilded sculptures were installed in the parterre, and fountains were arranged in the pond-basins. In the mid-18th century, the garden was expanded and enclosed on three sides by a fence with stone pillars and grilles made of wooden replicas. At that time, the ceremonial entrance from the Peterhof road was decorated with gates featuring massive pylons and wrought iron leaves. The Upper Garden, located on the terrace in front of the southern facade of the Grand Palace, is perceived today primarily as the ceremonial entrance to the imperial residence. It is a kind of green open-air vestibule—harmonious, bright, spacious. Its layout was executed based on sketches by Peter the Great himself and has changed only slightly over time.

Compositionally, the garden is connected with the architecture of the Grand Palace. The central part corresponds to the parterre with green lawns, including three pools with fountains arranged along the central axis. On the sides of the parterre are two square ponds and three pairs of symmetrically arranged bosquets framed by clipped shrubs. According to the layout principle, the bosquets are called square, oblique, and circular.

Since the time of Anna Ioannovna, the Upper Garden has been adorned with five fountains; a rose garden is laid out in the bosquets near the eastern pond, and near the western pond, the Peter the Great’s medicinal herb garden has been revived, where St. John's wort, oregano, echinacea, lemon balm, mint, and other medicinal herbs are grown on the beds.

The geometric layout of the formal garden is emphasized by straight alleys of trimmed lindens, greenery-covered gallery-bersos, green lawns bordered by thuja shaped as spheres and cones, as well as park sculptures. In the central pool of the Upper Garden is the most interesting Baroque composition—the sculptural group "Neptune." On the southern side of the pool stands a bronze statue of Apollo Belvedere. In the parterre, one can see marble statues of the god of gardens Vertumnus, the goddess of fertility Pomona, the god of the warm wind Zephyr, and the goddess of spring Flora, created by the Italian sculptor Antonio Bona.

As a result of comprehensive restoration carried out in the 1960s based on historical documents, the Upper Garden became one of the best examples of the restoration of an 18th-century formal park.

Attractive at any time of year—whether in bloom with fruit trees, blazing with autumn colors, or resembling a crystal magical forest in winter—the Upper Garden is a wonderful place for walks for the residents of Peterhof and its guests.

Sources:

https://petersburg24.ru/place/verhnij-sad-petergof

https://putidorogi-nn.ru/evropa/1066-verkhnij-sad-petergofa

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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VWP9+69 Petrodvortsovy District, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Fountain "Triton" or Orangery Fountain

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The fountain in the form of an allegory tells the story of Russia's struggle to gain access to the Baltic Sea — about the first major victory of the Russian fleet over the Swedish fleet in the Battle of Gangut on July 27, 1714. The Triton symbolizes the young Russian fleet, while the sea monster represents the fleet of Charles XII. Four turtles, scattering in fear in different directions, remind us of the unfaithful allies of the Swedish king.

Fountain Gags "Little Sofas"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Fountain joke "Dubok"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The prank fountain "Dubok" is one of the prank fountains of the Peterhof Palace and Park Ensemble. It is located in the Lower Park near the Montplaisir Alley. The prank fountain was created in 1735, and its surface was originally covered with gold paint. The branched six-meter hollow tree trunk made of tin tubes was externally covered with lead, which imitated bark.

Fountain joke "Christmas Trees"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The "Little Fir Trees" joke is a group of three small metal trees that spray water, located in one of the clumps near the Orangery. The original fountain was created in 1784 by craftsmen Keyzer and Strelnikov. The Little Fir Trees are situated in a clearing south of the Oak Grove and consist of three metal trees, which are very difficult to distinguish from real fir trees. When the elegantly dressed guests passed by, suddenly the water jets would douse the ladies and gentlemen.

Fountain joke "Umbrella" or "Mushroom"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The prank fountain "Umbrella" is one of several prank fountains in the palace and park ensemble of Peterhof, located in the Lower Park near the Montplaisir Alley. It was created in 1796 by architect Brouwer and fountain master Keyser. It is believed that the court's fascination with China influenced its creation, which was also reflected in the construction of "Chinese" buildings in Tsarskoye Selo.

Fountains "Bells"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

In the center of each of the four parterres into which the Monplaisir Garden is divided, Peter planned to install the "Bells" fountains, adorned with gilded sculptures. These water jets were created between 1721 and 1723 according to Miketti's drawings, simultaneously with the central "Sheaf" fountain. The weathered lead statues were replaced with bronze ones in 1817. Wax models for them were made by I. Martos based on molds kept in the Museum of the Academy of Arts.

Miniature fountains "Tritons" or "Bells"

Menagerie Fountains, Eikhenskaya St., Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198516

Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The miniature "Tritons" fountains appeared on the shore of the Marlinsky Pond at the end of the 1720s. The sculptures of four identical boy-tritons holding flat bowls were cast in England in 1721 based on a drawing by the architect I. Braunstein. Originally, the "Tritons" were intended to decorate the Grand Cascade, but they were cleverly adapted for the construction of fountains, whose compositional design is simple and elegant. Four water jets spouted from the bowls above the heads of the "Tritons."

The "Hermitage" Pavilion — the first post-war museum of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

In the 18th century, among wealthy Europeans, a fashion spread for building special pavilions called "Hermitage" or "place of seclusion." These were two-story buildings; on the lower floor were cooks and servants who prepared and served food, which was delivered by lifts to the upper floor, where the close circle of the estate owner's guests gathered. In Russia, the first Hermitage was created in Peterhof by order of Peter I. It was built on the shore of the Gulf of Finland in the western part of the Lower Park. The very idea of its construction arose in Peter during his travels through European countries, where he first saw similar structures. The Peterhof seaside pavilion served as the prototype for all Russian "hermitages" built thereafter.

Garden of Bacchus

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The Garden of Bacchus in Peterhof was designed by Nicolo Michetti in the 1720s as part of the ensemble of the Marly Palace in the western part of the Lower Park. Three paths connect it to the Garden of Venus, located between the Gulf of Finland and the Marlin Pond.

Sculpture of Peter I holding the young Louis XV in his arms

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

A few days later, Peter wrote to Catherine: "I inform you that last Monday the local little king paid me a visit... a child quite remarkable in appearance and stature, and for his age fairly sensible, who is seven years old..."

Venus Garden

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

In the northern part of the Marly Palace ensemble by the Marly Pond is the Garden of Venus, which is separated from the Gulf of Finland by a special retaining stone wall more than 3 meters high and about 250 meters long. Along the wall runs an alley from which one can admire the sea landscapes and view the three gardens of the Lower Park. The garden got its name thanks to the statue of Venus Medicis located here, modeled after the famous ancient Greek sculpture. The garden layout was designed by architect Nicolo Michetti.

Museum "Imperial Yachts"

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

Peterhof is the only seaside residence of the Russian emperors, so it was quite natural that in 2004 the museum "Imperial Yachts" was opened on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The exhibition showcases little-known aspects of the imperial family's life. Here you can see Peter I’s naval greatcoat and skipper’s jacket, Empress Catherine II’s uniform dress in the style of the navy, photographs and models of imperial and grand-ducal yachts, which were true "floating" palaces, yacht service sets, paintings and graphics, as well as various decorative and applied art items dedicated to the glorious history of the Baltic and Neva fleets.

Lion Cascade (Hermitage)

VWQ3+23 Petrodvortsovy District, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Imperial Parks of Peterhof

Great Architects: Andrey Ivanovich Stakenschneider

Great Architects: Andrey Nikiforovich Voronikhin

The idea behind the design of the Lower Park was based on the principle: each palace should correspond to a cascade of fountains. In 1721, the construction of the "Hermitage" pavilion began, and an alley leading to it was laid out. The cascade project, referred to as the "Moses Cascade" in Peter's sketches, was prepared by the architect Nicolo Michetti, but the original plan was not realized. Initially, statues of Hercules and Flora were used as sculptural decoration, but a year later they were replaced by bronze figures of lions, made based on Prokofiev's models. The cascade, named the Hermitage Cascade by its location, received its second, more famous name "Lion's" – after its decoration.

The Grand Cascade is the most magnificent fountain structure of the Peterhof ensemble.

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The Grand Cascade is the most magnificent fountain structure of the Peterhof ensemble and one of the outstanding structures in the world. The idea to complete the maritime ceremonial entrance to the royal residence with the Upper Palace and a cascade with grottos at its foot belonged to Peter I. The Grand Cascade consists of three waterfall staircases and two grottos, 75 fountains, and 255 bronze sculptures, mascarons, and bas-reliefs, as well as other decorative details. The construction of the Grand Cascade began in May 1716, involving architects Jean-Baptiste Le Blond and Nicola Michetti, Mikhail Zemtsov, and hydraulic engineering masters Pieter Soulema and Vasily Tuvolkov.

Benois Family Museum

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

There are many world-famous artists, but artistic dynasties are few. Among them, the Benois family rightfully holds a special place. This lineage has French origins. As often happened with many foreign families in Russia, the Benois family, combining French and German blood, became Russified and became the progenitor of numerous Russian figures in the arts.

Grand Palace (Peterhof)

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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The main building of the palace and park ensemble "Peterhof," located in the eponymous town on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland in the Petrodvorets district of the federal city of Saint Petersburg. It was almost completely destroyed during World War II and restored in 1952.

Upper and Lower Grottos

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The Upper and Lower Grottos, serving as the architectural center of the Grand Cascade of Peterhof, were built according to the design of Peter I. They are faced with tuff, decorated with fountains, marble, and gilded sculptures. The facade of the Grand Grotto is pierced by five tall arches adorned with gilded mascarons. Above this grotto is a terrace leading to the Small Grotto. The boundary between the grottos is marked by a marble balustrade with figures of two gilded bronze Tritons. Architects Jean-Baptiste Le Blond, Ivan Braunstein, and Nicola Michetti participated in the creation of the grottos, with construction taking place from 1716 to 1720. Entrance is through the arched doors of the Upper Grotto. According to Peter the Great’s plan, the walls of the underground structure are faced with tuff and shells, decorated with mascarons and ornaments.

Paired Fountains "Bowls" (Italian)

Italian, Aleksandriyskoye Highway, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198516

Imperial Parks of Peterhof

At the foot of the Grand Palace, in the center of the parterre flower beds, are the paired "Bowls" fountains, whose construction, according to the project of architect Nicolo Michetti, was completed at the end of 1722. The trial launch took place in the presence of Peter I. The oldest fountains of Peterhof, known for the power of their jets, received a second name – the "Great Fountains." Since the hydraulic work on the eastern fountain was carried out by the Frenchman Paul Soualem, and the western one by the Italians Giovanni and Giuliano Barratini, the western fountain is called the "Italian" fountain.

Paired Fountains "Bowls" (French)

French Fountain, Alexandriyskoye Highway, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 198510

Imperial Parks of Peterhof

At the foot of the Grand Palace, in the center of the parterre flower beds, are the paired "Bowls" fountains, whose construction according to the project of architect Nicolo Michetti was completed at the end of 1722. The trial launch took place in the presence of Peter I. The oldest fountains of Peterhof, known for the power of their jets, received the second name – the "Great Fountains." Since the hydraulic work on the eastern fountain was carried out by the Frenchman Paul Soualem, and the western one by the Italians Giovanni and Giuliano Barratini, the eastern fountain is called the "French" fountain.