Reveal

Imperial Parks of Peterhof

For Browsing

For the first time, Peterhof is mentioned in Peter I's "Campaign Journal" as early as September 1705. According to legend, its origin is owed to Peter’s wife, Catherine Alekseevna. Peter, concerned with the construction of the Kronstadt fortress, which was meant to protect the newly built Saint Petersburg from enemy invasion by sea, often visited Kotlin Island. Since these trips were made by sea, which posed a constant danger—especially during stormy autumn weather—Catherine supposedly persuaded Peter to build a roadside house, a travel palace, or, as they called it at the time, "travel chambers" on the shore of the Gulf of Finland opposite the island, where one could wait out bad weather. These chambers were allegedly built on the edge of the Factory Canal, opposite the original Znamenskaya Church of the future Peterhof. According to legend, the great Peter, visiting Peterhof later, attended this church and even sang in the choir loft. Peterhof comprises several palace and park ensembles that developed over two centuries. The "Lower Park," "Upper Garden," and "English Park" are ensembles that evolved in the 18th century. "Alexandria," "Colonist Park," "Meadow Park," "Alexandrine Park," "Sergievka," and "Own Dacha" are ensembles from the 19th century. Sources: https://peterhofmuseum.ru/

Jermaine Jermaine

Map