Labyrinth

The Labyrinth in Peterhof is a picturesque garden composition with a fountain arranged at its center. The Labyrinth is located in the eastern part of the Lower Park, between Marlinskaya Alley and the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It is a quiet corner, away from the main fountains of Peterhof, where one can enjoy peace and rest. The idea to create the Labyrinth belonged to Peter I, and it was built between 1722 and 1724 by the architect Nicolo Michetti (based on drawings, presumably, by Jean-Baptiste Le Blond). At that time, the Labyrinth was an almost square section of the park, with a rather large oval-shaped pool in the center. Eight paths radiated from the fountain and intersected with a circular alley. Thus, the entire area was divided into sixteen parterres (flower beds) where flowers were planted. Along the alleys and paths, a trellis of trimmed bushes was planted. Guests of the Peterhof Palace could find seclusion in green plant niches where benches stood. A canal and a path were arranged around the perimeter.

During the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna, in the mid-18th century, Francesco Rastrelli added a fountain to the composition. According to his design, the pool was to be decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures in the form of vases and dolphins. However, the architect’s plan was not fully realized due to its high cost — only the fountain was installed.

Throughout the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century, the Labyrinth was maintained in good condition — the pool was regularly repaired, and trees and shrubs in the bosquets were renewed. For example, in 1783, the garden master Vasily Bashlovsky wrote: “In the sixteen parterres grew lindens, hazel bushes, red and black currants.”

In 1800, the canals were replaced with paths. The last record of funds allocated for the Labyrinth’s repair dates back to the early 1880s.

Lost by the beginning of the 20th century, the labyrinth was recreated based on archaeological research and preserved archival documents.

Source:

https://www.spb-guide.ru/labirint_v_peterhofe.htm

https://peterhofmuseum.ru/objects/peterhof/labirint